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02/07/1991 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission MEMORANDUM TO: ADVISORY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION FROM: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION DATE: JANUARY 31, 1991 RE: FEBRUARY 7TH COMMISSION MEETING After the Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance, we will have an introduction of new Commission Members recently appointed by the City Council. On behalf of the returning Commission Members and Staff, we would like to welcome Michael Vogel and Deborah Johnson to the Advisory Commission. As a way of introduction, Staff would like to suggest that members take just a few minutes to brief the other Commission members on your background and interest in parks and recreation. Michele Swanson is being asked to attend the next Commission meeting in order that the Commission may show their appreciation for her three years as a member of the Advisory Commission. Staff has prepared a plaque as a small token of our appreciation. COMMISSION ORGANIZATION The first formal agenda item is the Commission's organization. Staff has prepared a memorandum entitled "Organizational Business", which is included in the packet and addresses the process for the election of the Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary, as well as committee appointments. Also, under organizational business, City Administrator Tom Hedges has provided Department Heads with materials regarding Commission organization. This memo addresses certain organizational procedures that were adopted by the City Council for Commissions and committees. Staff would like to take a few minutes to review this with all of the Commission members. CONSENT AGENDA There are no items under the consent agenda. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL There are no development proposals at this time, however, staff would like to brief the Advisory Commission on upcoming development proposals that are.expected to be on the agenda for the March meeting. OLD BUSINESS The first item under this heading pertains to the Highline Corridor grading issue, which has been on-going for several months. As of the writing of this memorandum, staff has not received or had an opportunity to review any preliminary plans for the resolution of this issue. Mr. Jim McMurdy, who was at the Advisory Commission meeting in January, indicates that they have made some progress in collecting background data, however they have not come to any final conclusions at this time. Mr. McMurdy indicated that he will be present at the Advisory Commission meeting on Thursday evening. Given the late date, staff may not be able to respond to possible Commission's questions concerning alternatives that may be presented. This is due to insufficient time to assess these alternatives. LONG RANGE PLANNING MEETING You will recall that late last year staff presented the Advisory Commission with some short term park planning issues and some long term planning needs. With the appointment of two new Commission members, it would be appropriate for the Commission to begin the process of long range needs planning. Staff would like to.suggest that a workshop date be set during the month of February to begin the planning process. Staff is suggesting that the Commission consider February 27th or February 28th. MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT Included in this packet is a memorandum regarding parks maintenance management plan. The cover memorandum is self-explanatory. NEW BUSINESS There is one item under new business. This will be a verbal report and recommendation that the Commission expand it's title to Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. The Commission has previously gone on record as supporting this and re-affirmation is being sought. PARK DEVELOPMENT Staff is continuing its work on the Blackhawk Park plan in anticipation of a park planning session February 20th or 21 st. This date is still tentative pending the outcome of the design terms of a staff meeting on Monday, February 4th. Assuming that work has progressed sufficiently, we will be selecting a date for that community meeting. It would be appropriate for the Advisory Commission to have a member at that public meeting. Staff is further suggesting that the Advisory Commission set a specific date in the month of March for a formal Commission review and public meeting. This will be for the purpose of hearing any public comments in regards to the proposed plan. The Commission would then formulate its recommendations, and forward them to the City Council. Therefore, Staff is asking the Advisory Commission to set a special meeting for the month of March for the sole purpose of hearing the Blackhawk Park plan. Staff would like to suggest for the Commission's consideration the date of March 14th. There are other items pertaining to Blackhawk Park, some of which the Commission members may have already seen in the local newspaper. There have been two opinion letters addressed to the editor. Copies of those letters are attached. Also provided for you is a recent letter addressed to the Commission that staff had received earlier, and a copy of a letter to the City Council and City Attorney. 'In January, the Director of Parks and Recreation met with Mr. Tim Lano, who represents residents of Murphy Parkway. Staff would like to update the Advisory Commission on the community's reaction to the park plan, even though that plan has not as yet been completed. WATER QUALffY There are no items at this time. OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS There are several items under "other business and reports", including the traditional departmental happenings. Also included will be a verbal presentation of the recreational facilities advisory committee and an update by Dorothy Peterson on the Symphony Committee, which met in January. Item "O" is the Round Table opportunity for discussion of items of interest to the Advisory Commission followed by adjournment. As always, if members of the Advisory Commission are unable to attend the Commission meeting for any reason, please contact the department and let us know of your impending absence. Re a ully submitted, Ken raa, Director of Parks & Recreation KV/bls MEMORANDUM TO: ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION FROM: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION DATE: JANUARY 24, 1991 RE: ORGANIZATIONAL BUSINESS At the organizational meeting of the Advisory Commission on February 7th, the Advisory Commission will elect its Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary. The responsibility of the Chairperson is to preside over the Commission meetings and to represent the Advisory Commission before the City Council, should that situation occur. The Chair also works with the Director of Parks and Recreation to establish the agenda, determines the need for special Commission meetings, and with the advise and consent of the Commission members, makes appointments to Ad Hoc study committees. The Vice-Chair, in the event that the Chair is unable to attend a meeting, assumes the responsibility of the Chair. The Secretary's responsibility is for correspondence of the Advisory Commission and also signs all Commission minutes. The duties of the secretary have changed over the past few years with the department secretary now taking minutes of the meetings. Traditionally, the Director of Parks and Recreation takes the nominations for the appointments to these three positions, and distributes ballots for the election of these positions. The Advisory Commission also establishes its standing committees. In the past, the Commission has used the Recreation Committee, Development and Finance Committee, Park Naming and Water Quality Committee. The Recreation Committee meets from two to three times per year and reviews with staff recreation programming or undertakes studies that could lead to development of new recreation program offerings. The Development/Finance Committee has typically been the Commission members as a whole, with the responsibility for reviewing park sites for potential acquisition. The financial responsibilities for the committee have been very minimal over the last several years,but of primary importance when the City was involved heavily in the 1984 Parks Bond issue. 3 The Park Naming Committee may not be necessary this year. Relatively few parkland holdings are un-named at this time, and of those, none are planned for development in 1991. The Water Quality Committee was begun in 1989 to help with the preparation of the Water Quality Management Plan. That plan has now been adopted. The need for a committee may still exist. It may be the desire of the Commission to have a sub- committee meet first to deal with water quality issues before presentation to the Commission as a whole. It may also be desirable to have a committee that staff could call upon to review strategies, provide input and assist staff. The Advisory Commission should also set the day and dates for the Commission meetings. Traditionally, this is the first Thursday of the month. The dates are as follows: March 7 August 1 April 4 September 5 May 2 October 3 June 6 November 7 July 4. December 5 The Commission will want to consider a date change for July 4th to July 11th. Also, the Council will be meeting on November 7th because of the City wide election on November 5th. The Commission may still meet that day, but re-locate to the lunchroom area. Time for the meeting would remain at 7:00 P.M., recognizing a probable time change during the summer months to accommodate the traditional park tours. 4. AGENDA ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA Thursday, February 7, 1991 7:00 P.M. Eagan Municipal Center A. 7:00 P.M. Regular Meeting - Eagan Municipal Center B. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance C. Introduction of New Members -Lee Markell - Michael Vogel • Deborah Johnson, Alternate D. Appreciation Award: Michele Swanson E. Approval of Agenda F. Approval of minutes of Regular Meeting of January 10, 1991 G. Commission Organization: (1) Review Commission Members Responsibilities (2) Election of Chair (3) Election of Vice Chair (4) Election of Secretary (5) Committee Appointments: (a) Recreation Committee (b) Development/Finance (c) Park Naming (d) Water Quality (6) Commission Meeting Dates and Times H. Consent Agenda 1. Development. Proposals J. Old Business (1) Highline Corridor Grading (2) Set Workshop Date for Long-Range Planning Meeting (3) Maintenance Management K. New Business (1) Name Change L. Parks Development (1) Blackhawk Park - Public Meeting M. Water Quality N. Other Business and Reports (1) Happenings (2) Status of Recreational Facilities Advisory Committee (3) Symphony Committee Update 0. Round Table P. Adjournment ~0 Sublect to approval MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA JANUARY 10, 1991 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, January 10, 1991 with the following Commission Members present: George Kubik, Lee Markell, John Griggs, Michele Swanson and Jack Johnson. Commission Members Dick Carroll and Shawn Hunter were not present. Staff present included Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation; Stephen Sullivan, Landscape Architect/Parks Planner; Dorothy Peterson, Superintendent of Recreation; John VonDeLinde, Parks Superintendent; Rich Brasch, Water Quality Coordinator and Cherry[ Mesko, Secretary. RECOGNITION OF EXPLORER PROGRAM John VonDeLinde expressed his pleasure in being able to again present the Explorer Program to the Commission. He noted that the program began in 1986 as a joint effort between the Police and Parks & Recreation Department to enhance the visibility of security services in parks. The program offers the opportunity for young adults to explore a career in the law enforcement field. Other programs the Explorers participate in include assisting with the 4th of July events and Meals on Wheels. The program continues through generous contributions from corporations and the recruitment and management by Doug Madison. Currently there are 30 recruits in the program allowing for enhanced customer service in many areas. George Kubik presented the Citation Award and the President's Award to the Eagan Explorers program for their successful and on-going program for providing valuable volunteer services to the City of Eagan. Mr. Kubik continued that the program provides for a great deal of volunteer time by these young adults but also they provide a valuable role model for the youth in the community. George congratulated the Explorers for being chosen to receive the awards and thanked them for their continued help. Doug Madison accepted the awards on behalf of the Explorers and thanked the Commission for their continued support of this program. Doug introduced Explorers Mindy Kaltenhauser and Kevin Lazarchic noting that they will be ending their participation in the program shortly. He noted that their leadership will be missed and that they have made substantial contributions to the program. George Kubik again thanked Doug Madison and all Explorers for their valuable contribution to the City of Eagan. AGENDA Ken Vraa noted that he had three miscellaneous items to add under "Other Business and Reports". Michele Swanson moved, Jack Johnson seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as amended. MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF DECEMBER 6, 1990 Page 4, Paragraph 3, first sentence should read "......again responsible for absorbing hydrologic planning mistakes." Page 6, Paragraph 2, first sentence should read '......enable Commission members to be more knowledgeable........". John Griggs moved, Jack Johnson seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the minutes as amended. ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF JANUARY 10, 1991 MEETING PAGE 2 CONSENT AGENDA There were no items on the Consent Agenda to be discussed. DIFFLEY COMMONS Director Vraa reminded the Commission that this issue had been brought before them in December and they had requested that it be brought back in January with a revised proposal to include the required open recreation space. Steve Sullivan noted that staff had been working with Todd Stutz of Rottland Homes so they would have a clear understanding of the open recreational space requirement and to insure that it would be incorporated in their plans. Steve continued that Todd Stutz was present to address the Commission with their proposal to meet this need. Todd Stutz noted that Rottland concurred with the park and trail requirement for this development and wanted to share the planned open space layout they were proposing. Mr. Stutz continued that the project consists of 208 single level atrium homes (4 plex) and 168 units in 8 and 12 unit building configurations. With this intensity of development they are proposing to provide three open spaces that will meet the City's requirements for recreational open space. Todd noted that the City required a total of approximately 41,000 sq. ft. but the plan being shown will provide for approximately 84,400 square feet of open space. The western site is approximately 26,100 square feet of flat open space; the southern site is approximately 35,200 square feet of relatively flat open space; the eastern site is approximately 23,100 square feet of open space. He further noted that there also was 108,250 net square feet around the pond area and another 27,400 square feet on the south corner near water. Mr. Stutz stated Rottland Homes felt these three areas would be more than adequate to provide for the open space requirement. Steve Sullivan commented that staff did not consider the ponding area or the eastern site (on Diffley) as open play area. Steve continued that Rottland had purchased additional land so that they would be able to meet the requirements set forth by the City. John Griggs asked what the topography was for the southern site. Mr. Stutz responded that there was a 4 foot difference in grade from one side of the site to the other. George Kubik asked if there were any natural aspects that could be taken advantage of. Steve responded that there was no significant vegetation; the sites were flat to moderate open space areas. Steve also commented that Rottland is providing more open space than is required by City Code. George Kubik thanked Mr. Stutz for appearing before the Commission to provide additional information on this issue. After further discussion, John Griggs moved, Jack Johnson seconded with all members voting in favor to approve the following recommendations for Diffley Commons Addition: 1. The Eagan Hills West Planned Development be responsible for a revised parks dedication obligation based on the formula as presented by Staff. 2. Diffley Commons be responsible for a cash parks dedication based on the revised parks dedication formula for Eagan Hills West Planned Development. 3. Diffley Commons be responsible for a cash trails dedication. 4. The Diffley Commons site plan revision dated 12/26/90 be approved regarding the open recreational space requirement. S• ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF JANUARY 10, 1991 MEETING PAGE 3 HIGHLINE GRADING Ken Vraa reminded the Commission that this item was continued from the December Commission meeting. The issue deals with grading in the Highline Trail north of the Park Knoll Addition and south of Lexington Pointe Addition in an attempt to control the storm water runoff from the Lexington Pointe Addition. Staff had been working with Brad Swenson of Tri-Land in the past, however after a change in the partnership arrangements, Paul Gross has been the contact for Tri-Land on this issue. Jim McMurty of Tri-Land was present to address the Commission on behalf of Paul Gross. He noted that principals of Tri-Land had met with Department Heads to determine priorities relating to unresolved issues with some of Tri-Land's properties. Jim noted that Tri-Land is aware of the grading problem and they are taking measures to remedy this situation. Jim requested that they be placed on the February agenda in hopes that they will have a plan ready to share with the Commission so this issue can be remedied in a timely fashion. George Kubik stated he was looking forward to seeing this back on the February agenda since the Commission is anxious to resolve this problem. Mr. McMurty mentioned that the engineer they hire will be in contact with staff in order to get this resolved. John Griggs asked if Mr. McMurty might have an idea of what Tri-Land would recommend. Jim commented that he is not in a position to answer that question yet since information is still being compiled. WELL SITE PARK NAMING Steve Sullivan reminded the Commission of their request to re-evaluate the name selection for Well Site Park. The names reviewed at the December meeting included Moccasin, Blackstrap and Traverse. Steve had been requested to research other possible names for the Commission to respond to. The names provided included Waterworks Park, Freshwater Park, Aqueduct Park and Aquarius Park. Steve also included several plant materials and land forms common to the site for name consideration. After providing the Commission with an extensive history of the Well Site, John Griggs asked that Clearwater Park be added to the list of names for consideration. Jack Johnson asked why a name change was being considered for this park. It appeared to him that since this site was already known as Well Site a name change may be more confusing than helpful to the public. Ken Vraa noted that the park had never been officially named and if the Commission so chooses, the name can remain the same. After further discussion John Griggs asked that a water quality theme be adopted with the names Freshwater and Clearwater being considered. He stated these names appeared to be the most appropriate recognizing the function of this piece of property. George Kubik moved, John Griggs seconded the motion that the name of Well Site Park be changed to Clearwater Park. Three members (Griggs, Kubik, Swanson) voted in favor of the motion and two members (Johnson, Markell) voted against. The motion was passed. LAKE ASSESSMENT John VonDeLinde explained that Lake Assessment Program - 1989; Thomas Lake was being distributed for Commission review. Rich Brasch noted that the Lake Assessment Program is designed to assist lake associations or local units of government in the collection of baseline lake water quality data. The general work plan for LAP includes cooperative lake sampling by Minnesota Pollution Control Agency staff and local government unit, participation in the Citizen Lake-Monitoring Program by local representatives, examination of land use and drainage patterns in the watershed of the lake and an assessment of the data collected. The document distributed to the Commission represents an assessment of the current trophic status of Thomas Lake based on data collected as part of LAP. ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF JANUARY 10,1991 MEETING PAGE 4 Rich continued that this study focused on Thomas Lake which is approximately 43 acres in size with an average depth of 4-1/2 feet and a maximum depth of 9 feet. This water body was classified as Class 1, direct contact and came out high on the priority list. After the samplings were completed for this water body the phosphorous level was 103 micrograms per liter and the plan's target is for 33-47 micrograms per liter. Some of the reasons cited for the high level of phosphorous include the expanding size of the watershed. The watershed area was originally 114 acres but now encompasses approximately 6200 acres of drainage because of all the drainage connections. The change in development from agricultural, which once surrounded this lake, caused more water run-off into the lake, thus increasing the phosphorous level 6 to 7 times what it had been. Rich explained that the conclusion of the report suggested the need for massive reduction in in-lake phosphorous concentration which may be difficult because of the shallowness of the lake and the large size of its watershed. It is felt that some of the effective ways for dealing with this issue include general information to the public with a special emphasis placed on those residents in the watershed area. There is concern for controlling erosion on the sites where development will occur, determining where the nutrients are coming from and investigate what capital improvements can be done to help eliminate the problem. John Griggs asked if it was possible for the new developments to bypass Thomas Lake and Rich responded that this is a question that will need to be evaluated. John VonDeLinde commented that it would be appropriate to allow some time to pass to see what effect flushing will have now that more normal precipitation is occurring. Mr. Griggs continued that he felt an ordinance should be passed to handle erosion problems that occur during the development and marketing of property. Jack Johnson asked what type of education program was being considered. Rich Brasch indicated that the key to phosphorous control is citizen's awareness. The most basic information to get across to citizens is to control the nature in which fertilizer is applied. Another point of education would be controlling the plant debris that goes into the drainage system, i.e. grass clippings, etc, since this debris holds phosphorous. Lee Markell asked if Thomas Lake was a good study. He continued "that it may be more beneficial to see improvements in the lake before continuing. Rich noted that this is just an example; even if the phosphorous is cut drastically that may not change the quality of the water. He stated it was important to monitor the water quality before it gets to the lake. Jack Johnson asked if the City had considered banning phosphorous from fertilizers completely. Rich stated that the preference would be for education first rather than mandating by ordinance. John Griggs commented that maybe banning phosphorous isn't a bad idea based on the big picture. He also stated that public education is vital in controlling non-point pollution. George Kubik commented that he was happy to see this type of balanced strategy being planned. He suggested developing a floating display that could be taken to various schools and special events. John VonDeLinde responded that the plan would be to bring water quality issues into schools during the Arbor Day events with a proposal to work with the 4th graders on this issue. Rich Brash continued that in working with developers emphasis would be placed on ways to not increase phosphorous run-off when a parcel of land is changed from less intensive to more intensive development. One way of handling this would be to have the developer provide on-site treatment or cash dedication for this purpose. John Griggs asked if these types of things would be added to the development contract. He said currently the City allows developers to sod the front yards for marketing but the back yards often remain unsodded resulting in erosion problems. John continued that he would like to recommend to the City Council that this item be placed into the development contract. Lee Markell suggested a workshop that would acquaint and educate developers and builders of the issues surrounding water quality, emphasizing the need to be pro-active rather than re-active. George Kubik thanked Rich for the information and reiterated the City's confidence in having him on board to help with this very critical issue. ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF JANUARY 10, 1991 MEETING PAGE 5 BLACKHAWK PARK Director Vraa brought the Commission up to date on the community park planning meeting held on December 17 to discuss and receive public input regarding the future improvement of Blackhawk Park. There were 51 residents in attendance, Park and Recreation Staff, Pat Jostad-Naturalist Consultant and Shawn Hunter and John Griggs. from the APRC. Staff reviewed the parks' planning process as well as a history of the land acquisition for this park. After the staff presentation a questionnaire was given to those attending with the following questions, 1) What would you like to see in the park plan? 2) What activities would you like to see provided in the park? 3) What do you think the priority of the park should be? 4) What concerns do you have? 5) What comment(s) do you have? After the meeting, staff compiled the information provided by those attending as well as the information still being received from people not able to attend the meeting. The input received was very diverse with requests for everything from intensive development to no development. Ken commented that it appeared that the main emphasis was for passive facilities rather than active. Some of the concerns that came from that meeting included noise, commercialization, etc. The most contrast in opinions came in regard to road access, building and parking. Ken continued that staff will be meeting Wednesday to work on gross planning of the park and after more information is put together another community meeting will be held in February. George Kubik commented that Blackhawk Park is a jewel in the park system and the City wants to have a park which reflects the beauty of the area. John Griggs stated that he had attended the meeting and was very happy with the public turnout. John continued that there was a great deal of public input but was concerned that there may be a misconception about this being a neighborhood park rather than a community park. Mr. Kubik commented that the City needs to be sensitive to the differences of opinion regarding this site; this should not be a cause to divide groups or neighborhoods. Tim Lano, 1632 Hawk Place suggested that the City needs to look at what makes the most sense for this site. He continued that more development is not needed in Eagan; there is a need to keep this natural resource as it is. Mr. Lano said this neighborhood does not want to be perceived as being single focused. They want to be involved in working constructively for a passive park and passive access. He continued that they look forward to working with the Commission and that they intend to be actively involved in this process. i George thanked Mr. Lano for his interest on behalf of the neighborhood and stated that the Commission encourages the input from residents when parks are being planned. It is a tremendous benefit to have the encouragement and involvement from concerned citizens. Ted, 1589 Riverton Parkway stated he was concerned for the wildlife and the maintenance of Blackhawk Lake. He wanted to have people polled to see if they wanted development of this park at all. George Kubik reiterated that the City welcomes the input of citizens so that this park can better serve the needs of their requests. Unidentified resident asked to review the time line and requested a copy of the report that the Commission has within their packet regarding the results of the questionnaire. Ken Vraa responded by stating there is no definitive time line for the development of Blackhawk Park as yet. Staff will do a broad base plan and will again have a public hearing for input. After that, a revised plan would go to the Commission and there would be, again, another public hearing after which this issue would appear before the City Council for approval. One approval has been given by the Council, detailed plans are completed in-house. With so many variables in planning the completion of these events, it would be difficult to establish a definitive time line. Mr. Vraa continued that the results of the questionnaire will be provided at the next public meeting since forms continue to be received by the Department. George Kubik commented that everyone will do the best job we can to keep the lines of communication open and provide information when it is available. Ken Vraa added that history shows there is always more than one meeting required during the planning process. ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF JANUARY 10, 1991 MEETING PAGE 6 Dennis Anderson, 1606 Murphy Parkway stated that he wants a passive park and does not want access through Murphy Parkway. George Kubik thanked Mr. Anderson and those attending the meeting for their interest and input and looks forward to several other meetings with this group. PARKS UPDATE Steve Sullivan noted that there are three active contracts. Under contract 90-2, the Bridle Ridge building is open and being used, Northview and Ohmann buildings should be done in approximately 30 days but these won't be finaled until spring. Steve continued that Trapp Farm Park and Ohmann Park playground equipment have been ordered and will be installed in spring. The inventory and study of Blackhawk Park has also begun. Ken Vraa commented that County Road 30 is being upgraded and the base information on the Caponi site needs to be completed. There has been no formal meeting with the County as yet. John Griggs added that if County Road 30 is widened it would bisect Caponi's property and suggested that the base information include pedestrian access right from the planning stages. Ken commented that it appeared that a tunnel would be a likely option but the proposed schedule is unknown at this time; the road will be done in phases. John Griggs suggested that staff look at 85th and Noble (or Regent) since he felt there was a good job done on the tunnel that exists at that site. HAPPENINGS Dorothy Peterson commented that staff has been involved with the Youth Connection Council for over two years. This is a council of youth and adults working on several issues. It appears that transportation is the biggest issue for the youth at this time and it is good to see the concern and involvement of this group. The Teen Tubing parry was postponed for one week due to cold weather which resulted in smaller numbers than were originally anticipated. McDonald's is offering a Tuesday coffee club for seniors at their Silver Bell location. John Griggs commented positively about the number of users at the Trapp Farm tubing hill and shared his personal experience with a minor accident while using the hill. John continued that the hill is adequately staffed but felt that more hay bales may need to be installed to direct traffic more effectively. Lee Markel[ added that his group had, he believed, the long distance record for a run down the hill. Dorothy commented that there were approximately 240 individuals at Trapp Farm tubing hill the past Sunday and that staff works very hard to maintain control of a crowd that size to insure equal access to the tubes and a safe experience for all. John VonDeLinde noted that the baffle system and trailer were at Fish Lake waiting for the final word from the DNR to begin the aeration system. He continued that there have been some good size fish caught in the lake recently. George Kubik commented on the tree pruning that was occurring in December. John responded that this was an excellent time to be doing that type of work and it is going very well. George also commented on John VonDeLinde being elected to the MRPA Board. WINTER WEEKEND Dorothy Peterson explained that Winter Weekend would be held on the first weekend in February with an emphasis on family fun. She continued that Commission members have, in the past, joined in on the fun and have been the key to the success of the ice fishing event. Scheduled for Friday are cross- country skiing at Northview and family skate at Bridle Ridge. Saturday will host a snow softball tournament at Northview and a snow volleyball tournament at Rahn with special emphasis placed on inviting youth 15-18 to participate in the volleyball event. Also on Saturday will be the ice fishing event which will be a catch and release program to introduce families to the fun of ice fishing. Sunday will host a tubing party and a boot hockey tournament where youth are again invited to participate. During the week a snow sculpture contest will be held with contestants registering by phone. George Kubik offered to help judge this event. /Z• ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF JANUARY 10, 1991 MEETING PAGE 7 Dorothy noted that prior to the February 7th Commission meeting it would be appropriate for the Recreation Sub-committee to meet. This time line would allow for input from both the Commission and the youth representatives before the writing deadline for the spring newsletter. The meeting will be scheduled for 6:00 P.M. prior to the beginning the Commission meeting. PROPOSAL FOR CLASSICAL MUSIC CONCERT John Griggs stated that the City is doing an excellent job in providing programming for pre-school, athletic, senior and family functions, however there is a need to look at other options for the community, i.e. a cultural event. John stated that it was not his intention to debate this issue, rather to look at the option of establishing a committee to see if this was a feasible endeavor. Mr. Griggs noted that he had been in touch with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and they indicated it would be possible to pursue a booking date of September 12, 1991. John continued that he had talked to the Eagan High School also and they indicated they were warm to the idea of this type of function in the building and that fall may work into their schedule as well. George Kubik, agreeing that this would be an innovative idea suggested a special committee to study this issue and consider it's feasibility. George continued that the committee would probably do some of the work so as not to burden staff. John agreed that the committee should do a good deal of the work rather than delegate. Jack Johnson stated that this is a real opportunity for the community and was a way to lay the groundwork to giving Eagan some identity. George commented that this could be viewed as an experiment as well as an opportunity. Lee Markell asked what the cost was for the orchestra to which Mr. Griggs responded $8,000 - 12,000. After further discussion George Kubik moved, Jack Johnson seconded with all members voting in favor to create a special task committee to evaluate the feasibility of organizing an Eagan performing arts community event, determining what is possible, what is involved and bring that information back to the Commission with a recommendation. ROUND TABLE Ken Vraa stated that the Lions Club had donated $100,000 to the City for park development noting that they would like some consideration for recognition within the park receiving the donation. George Kubik thanked the Lions Club for.their more than generous contribution and asked that staff keep them updated on the use of those dollars. Ken continued that there was a new addition to the Parks Department; Paula Nowariak gave birth to an 8 lb., 8 oz. baby boy (Tony Benjamin). Ken also noted that Dorothy Peterson's title has been recently changed Ito Superintendent of Recreation. In conclusion, Ken reminded the Commission that February 7th would be their organizational meeting. With no further business to conduct, John Griggs moved, Jack Johnson seconded with all members voting in favor to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 P.M. Secretary Date A COMMISSION MEMBER'S CODE As a commission member, I believe that the primary purposes of a commission are to achieve effective and wise guidance of the department through group thinking and action, to raise the standards of commission membership and to improve the level of recreation and park services to the community which supports it. I realize that mine is a community trust, that I represent all the people and that I ave a duty to the community as well as to my park and recreation department I pledge myself, therefore, to cultivate an "educated heart" so that I may be sensitive to my obligations and relationships in this trusteeship. I subscribe to the code of an ethical person,remembering that ethics refers to what a person is morally obliged to do or not to do in a given situation. I believe that commission service can be an expression of democratic citizenship, signifying a willingness to accept community responsibility and the charge to preserve popular control of American public services. Respecting the dignity and worth of the individual, I shall base my relations with people on their qualities as individuals without distinction as to race or creed or color or economic or social status. I believe that a person's greatest possession as well as his greatest contribution to society, may lie in the ways in which he differs from, rather than in the ways in which we are similar. I shall accept these differences and try to build a useful relationship upon them. I uphold the principles of my organization, recognizing and assuming my responsibility as a commission member to establish and administer the best possible program and policies for my park and recreation department. I shall learn its program and objectives, give to it a fair share of my time and personal abilities, keep a community wide perspective knowing that, for sound community service, my department's work must be coordinated with the total community. I promise to be loyal to my own organization and a good neighbor to other agencies. My attitude shall be one of cooperative open-mindedness and objectivity. In carrying out my assignments, I shall be professional in realizing that it is not possible to lay down absolute rules for all situations. I shall be willing to think things through with the other commission members, weighing alternatives and exercising good judgement in choosing among them. I have faith in the fellowship of common endeavor, believing that unity is accomplished through the resolution of differences and not in their suppression. I recognize the value and the necessity of mutual understanding and teamwork between the commission and the staff in developing a good department. I realize that the functions of the commission and the staff are different but that, with common goals in focus, and with confidence in and respect for each other, methods of joint participation will not be difficult to find. 115. I shall try to be a good commission member: a believer, a planner, a doer, an interpreter, a prophet, a reformer, a builder, a friend, a good citizen. Desiring to contribute all that I can to the betterment of my community and its people, I willingly accept this code for commission members and will be guided by it. 46. ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION JOB DESCRIPTION/QUALIFICATIONS QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Resident of the City of Eagan 2. Willingness and dedication to commit both time and personal energy to the commission. 3. An interest in both parks and recreation issues. 4. Desire to provide a broad range of parks and recreation service to citizens of the community. 5. Interest in and knowledge of the community of Eagan. 6. Interest in recreation and parks fulfilling a vital role in the quality of life for Eagan residents. 7. Willingly seeks input from neighborhoods, organizations, and individuals. 8. Ability to maintain an objective approach to park and recreation issues. RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Attend and participate in regular monthly meetings and special meetings. 2. Attend and participate in appointed study committees which may be required to conduct the affairs of the Advisory Commission. 3. To make recommendations concerning parks acquisition and development to council and staff. 4. To review and make recommendations concerning recreation programming. 5. Annually elect officers of the Advisory Commission. 6. Provide input into park site planning. 7. Annually reviews the department budget, providing suggestions to staff. 8. Performs fact finding tasks for City Council. REPORTS TO: 1. City Council 2. Director of Parks and Recreation PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION: 1. Self evaluation by commission. 2. Regular attendance and participation. 3. Knowledge and satisfaction that commission is fulfilling a vital role in the community. CONDITION OF WORK: 1. 3 year terms; appointment by council. 2. No compensation; but a great deal of personal satisfaction to be offered. ~7 t DUTIES OF CHAIRPERSON: 1. To preside over regularly scheduled and special commission meetings. 2. To call special meetings of the Advisory Commission when required to conduct the responsibilities of the commission. 3. To act as spokesperson for the commission. 4. With the Director of Parks and Recreation, establish a tentative agenda for monthly meetings. 5. Assign members to special study committees. 6. Advise and consult with individual members concerning their participation on the committee. DUTIES OF THE VICE-CHAIRPERSON: 1. In the absence of the chairperson, conduct meeting of the Advisory Commission. 2. To perform assigned task as might be requested from the chairperson. DUTIES OF THE DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION TO THE ADVISORY C"ISSION: 1. To assist in the development of the agenda and prepare packet material. 2. To act as a liaison to the City Council for the recommendations made by the commission. 3. Provide direction and input to the commission concerning parks dedication and recreational programming. 4. To perform fundamental research in the study of parks and recreation issues. 5. To attend meetings of the Advisory Commission and study committees. ~8- EAGAN ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION The Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission is an appointed commission of the City Council of volunteer citizens. The purpose of the commission is to advise and make recommendations to the City Council concerning both parks and recreation issues. In addition, the commission provides input to City staff,in affect, acts as an advisory board on community interests concerning recreation and parks. ORGANIZATION: The commission consists of 7 members who are appointed by the City Council for three (3) year terms and 1 alternate who is appointed for a one (1) year term. Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Secretary are elected annually by the commission members at an "organizational meeting" in January/ February. Study committees are also organized at this time. Meetings are held monthly,or at the call of the chairperson. MEMBERS ROLE: The Advisory Commission work covers a broad range of issues which must be acted upon in a timely manner. To accomplish this work, regular attendance and participation by members is essential. Occasionally, the formation of "task" or "study groups" becomes necessary to look into or work further on more complex issues. Assignment to these groups is voluntary. Because regular participation is important to the functioning of the commission, the City Council in January of 1974 passed a motion that three consecutive absences by a member may lead to replacement on the commission. If members find that commitments prohibit regular attendance or causes a period of extended absences, they should seriously consider resigning from the commission. Perhaps the most significant responsibility the members have is to keep an open mind to park issues. Listening, learning and discussion of issues are important aspects of commission work. Decision making should be based on information gathered and what can be seen as working towards the betterment of the City and parks and recreation system. Maintaining objectivity in the face of special interest groups is often difficult, but essential to a balanced approach to parks. Both long term objectives and short term benefits should be considered on all issues. The Advisory Commission acts as a group; disagreement and divergent views are expected and desirable. However, these views are not to be represented to outside organizations/committees as being representative of the views of the Advisory Commission or City. Members need to be certain that they do not express personal views and interests as that of the City or Parks and Recreation Department. /9. i P.U.D. A planned unit development_ is an agreement between a City and developer/land owner to develop the land included in the agreement according to a specific criteria; including residential densities, park land, commercial area, with a proposed time frame for development. P. M .'s run for a period of 5 to 15 years. SYSTEMS PLAN A System Plan is a document of intensive study of the park and recreation system to determine existing deficiencies inland and type of facilities the City needs to provide its citizens. The study seeks to focus in on specific park needs, prioritize those needs based on the rest of the park system needs, as well as provide direction for the department in the development of existing and future parks. 20. RESPONSIBILITY/AUTHORITY: The commission does not have statutory powers, as do "Park Boards". It is a creation of the City Council with the responsibility of parks and recreation. The commission reviews residential development for recommendation of parks dedication; annually reviews the budget, provides input regarding programming, hears citizens requests and investigates issues for recommendation. In addition to the general responsibility of parks and recreation, the commission will perform "special" responsibilities as well. As an example, the Advisory Commission provided input and reviewed the City wide Bicycle Trails Plan, the need for a System Plan, reviewed plans for park development, and guidance in the development of the System Plan itself. STAFF: The City employs a professional administrator for the Parks and Recreation Department whose responsibility includes the day to day direction and operation of the department and is directly responsible to the City Administrator and City Council. The director prepares the operational budget, and with the staff purchases major equipment items, oversees the forestry department and park maintenance and development activities as well as give direction to the effective operation of recreational programming, etc. As the position relates to the Advisory Commission, the director prepares the commission's agenda and support information concerning agenda items. Items require commission action, informational items on parks and programs are presented by the director and communicated to the appropriate parties. The City Administrator and City Planner occasionally attend meetings of the Advisory Commission and will comment on Council directives, as well as background information pertaining to City development. FOR YOUR INFORMATION PARK DEDICATION The City has enacted an ordinance under Minnesota laws, which grants a community the authority to receive land for park purposes from residential developers. This dedication is set at 100 of the land to be available, or the amount of land is not sufficient to support a park, a cash dedication is taken. The amount of the cash dedication is based on the type of residential unit. The commission annually reviews the fees for possible adjustment. The cash collected goes into the "park site acquisition and development" fund for purchase and/or development of parks throughout the community. This dedication requirement was extended to commercial and industrial property upon recommendation and approval of the City Council effective January 1,1983. COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE PLAN Required by the Metropolitan Council, the City prepared a "Comprehensive Guide Plan" for the City. One segment of the plan includes parks. Neighborhood service areas were defined to help determine what park needs might be for each portion of the City. 2~• MEMO TO: EAGAN ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION FROM: JOHN K. VONDELINDE, SUPERINTENDENT OF PARKS DATE: JANUARY 29, 1991 SUBJECT: CHANGES TO PARK MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT PLAN As Commission members will recall, a special meeting of the Advisory Park and Recreation Commission was held on October 24th of last year to review the City's new draft Park Maintenance Management Plan. During that meeting, several suggestions were made by the Commission for improving the content and usability of the plan. These suggestions were then reviewed before the full Commission at their regular meeting on November 1st. At that time, staff indicated that they would begin work on preparing these modifications to the plan and reintroduce them to the Commission in February. Included in the following pages of the packet are the additions and changes to the Maintenance Management Plan, highlighted in bold type, incorporating the Commission's comments. These are briefly summarized as follows: 1. An additional policy has been added to the "Policies" chapter, requiring the annual evaluation and review of the Maintenance Management Plan by the City Council and the Advisory Park and Recreation Commission. 2. The Park Maintenance Mission Statement has been broadened with the addition of a statement reflecting the environmental consciousness of the Park and Recreation Department in the selection of lawn fertilizers and pesticides. 3. A new chapter, entitled "Department Organization", has been added to the plan. This section describes the three primary divisions functioning within the Park and Recreation Department, the interrelationship of the Maintenance Division to other departmental entities, and the process for communication/follow-up on work requests on an inter-divisional level. This chapter also includes an overall department hierarchy identifying the various maintenance positions and reporting relationships. 4. In the chapter dealing with "Implementation", a new column identifying the number of personnel required to perform maintenance tasks has been added to the "Work Unit Standards" list. 5. In the "Maintenance Standards" chapter, standards were written for two new facilities added to the parks system in 1990, i.e., the horseshoe courts in George Ohmann Park and the sand volleyball courts in Rahn Park. 23. 6. Chapter VIII, "Park Site Facility and Use Inventory", has been completely updated reflecting both facility and programatic changes in 1990. These changes will require added time for the administrative support personnel to retype, and therefore have not been included with the packet. However, the inventory is largely based on static information and therefore should not have a bearing on the Commission's approval of this document. For Commission Action With these changes having been made, it would be appropriate at this time for the Commission to consider approval of the plan and to recommend its formal adoption by the City Council. Jo K. VonDeLinde Superintendent of Parks JKV/cm 24. TABLE OF CONTENTS I Executive Summary II Introduction III Statement of Goals IV Policies V Mission Statement VI Department Organization VII Historical Perspective and Maintenance Analysis VIII Parksite Facility and Use Inventory • Introduction • Inventory Sheets IX Park Maintenance Standards • Introduction • Maintenance Standards X Classification System XI Maintenance Schedules • Annual Maintenance Schedule • Facility Specific Programs • Annual Construction Schedule • Parks Improvements Plan 25. XII Implementation Standards • Maintenance Procedure/Quality Indicator Statements • Work Unit Standards • Park Facility Inspection Forms XIII Personnel/Equipment Needs Projections • Personnel Needs Assessments • Vehicle/Equipment Acquisition Program XIV Long Range Facility Maintenance/Replacement Program 20wp:tableofc.ont 2~. 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 II - 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 III - Statement of Goals Presents a series of written goals intended to represent the desired outcomes of the Maintenance Management Plan. 21. Chapter IV - Policies Contains official policy statements considered essential to the fulfillment of goals and programs outlined in the Maintenance Management Program. Chapter V - 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 VI - Department Organization Depicts the organizational structure of the department and its major divisions, along with each divisions key areas of responsibilities. Discusses the communication mechanism of the department, along with an expanded examination of the Operations/Maintenance/Resource Management Division. Concludes with a Department Organizational Chart. Chapter VII - Historical Perspective and Maintenance Analysis Discusses growth of the Eagan Parks System, from its inception in the early 19701s. 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 VIII - 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. 28. Chapter IX - 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 X - 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 XI - 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 XII - 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 XIII - Maintenance Needs Projections Provides an assessment of needs for Parks Maintenance personnel and equipment, into the 19901s. 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. 29. Chapter XIV - 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 XV - Appendices Contains as built drawings for City parks and their respective 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 POLICIES The City Council of the City of Eagan, by formal resolution, has adopted the following goals for the implementation of a Comprehensive Parks Maintenance Management Program. 1. The City shall develop a Statement of Goals which clearly identifies the desired outcomes of the Maintenance Management Program. The City Council shall periodically review and update the goals, to ensure that they are reflective of the changing philosophies and practices related to parks maintenance. 2. The City shall establish and carry out a Mission Statement for the Parks Maintenance/Operations Division. The Statement shall define the Division's purpose, goals for effectuating the Mission Statement, and department responsibilities for ensuring a safe, productive, and enriching work environment for its employees. 3. The City shall research and systematically develop a comprehensive inventory of all City park properties, recreation facilities, and support facilities. The inventory shall document locations and characteristics of park facilities, including the aspects of public usage, recreation programming, and site-specific qualities. 4. The City shall establish a "hierarchy" of maintenance levels, or "modes" for each category of park facilities and support facilities. Each maintenance mode shall specifically define the frequency and intensity of maintenance activities associated with that mode. 5. The City shall implement a comprehensive maintenance classification system. The system shall develop a rational means for assigning the appropriate level of maintenance (or mode) to each park-specific facility, consistent with the general and programmatic characteristics of use and aesthetic considerations. 6. The City shall develop sound methodologies for ensuring the thorough and efficient implementation of the Parks Maintenance Management Program. Among these shall include scheduling programs, quality indicator statements, work unit standards, and inspection programs. 7. The City shall research and prepare a strategic plan projecting the future needs for human resources and equipment complement within the Parks Maintenance/ Operations Division. Projections shall be based on estimated increases in parks acreage and facilities, and a corresponding need to sustain maintenance standards. 3~. 8. The City shall institute a long range maintenance and replacement program for park and support facilities. The City shall establish viable funding mechanisms to carry out the program in accordance with replacement standards. 9. The City shall develop other plans and programs required to efficiently accomplish the goals of the Maintenance Management Program, including as-built park plans and technical references. 10. The City shall annually evaluate the Maintenance Management Plan and make any revisions deemed necessary. Any such revision shall be reviewed and approved by the City Council upon recommendation of the Advisory Parks and Recreation commission. 11. The City Council shall seek to uphold the maintenance standards and public expectations for service delivery, as promulgated by the Maintenance Classification System. The City Council shall further endeavor to annually appropriate the financial resources for personnel, equipment, materials, and services necessary to fulfill the goals of the Maintenance Management Program. 19wp:parkmntc.mgt 32. MISSION STATEMENT PARRS MAINTENANCE DIVISION Mission Our customers are the citizens of the City of Eagan. As the taxpayers of our community, they are entitled to the highest level of excellence in their pursuit of leisure activities in Eagan's parks. It is our responsibility to see that their needs are met through a program of quality maintenance services. Our work includes the construction and maintenance of picnic areas, trails, athletic facilities, winter recreation sites, and water access features. We are responsible for protecting and enhancing the City's open spaces and natural resources it's trees, prairies, wetlands, and wildlife. Our mission is to be a leader in the field of parks maintenance, always striving to achieve excellence and innovation in service delivery. We are committed to operating the City's parks in a safe, clean, and attractive condition. We recognize the importance of maintaining the integrity of recreation resources, not only for park visitors of today, but for generations yet to come. Goals * To strive for excellence in the construction and maintenance of park and recreation facilities. * To set high standards for the degree and frequency of maintenance programs, optimizing use of resources so the greatest benefit can be derived. * To maintain recreation and support facilities in a safe, clean, and attractive manner always recognizing our customers need for security and enjoyable experiences as the key to our work. * To be thorough and detail-oriented in the conduct of daily tasks; striving to detect problems in the parks as they happen and responding in a quick and responsible manner. * To solve "old" problems with new innovations and creativity, always seeking better ways of improving service delivery - placing Eagan in the forefront of municipal maintenance operations. * To be consistent in maintenance and development activities seeking to establish levels of service and expectations that the public can come to depend upon on a continuing basis. 33. * To be highly productive and efficient in the execution of duties and tasks, keeping in mind the need to be fiscally responsible to the taxpayers of our community. * To conserve and protect the City's natural resources, realizing that they are the underlying "fabric" of the parks system and can only appreciate in human value through preservation and long range enhancement. * To remain environmentally conscious in the selection and application of fertilisers, pesticides, and other chemicals used in parks and grounds maintenance. * To be courteous and caring towards park customers - always willing to listen and extend a helping hand; always responsive to their concerns, and complaints; always seeking to find answers or solutions in a responsible fashion. Responsibilities In order to facilitate the goals of the mission statement for parks maintenance, the City of Eagan and it's Parks and Recreation Department will be persistent in it's endeavors: * To provide a clean, comfortable, and well organized working environment for it's maintenance employees. * To consistently strive to protect the safety of it's workers by providing ongoing safety training, protective equipment and a "safety consciousness." * To afford employees with the proper array of tools and equipment to perform their work in a productive and safe manner. * To promote open lines of communication with maintenance staff, extending a willingness to listen to their problems and suggestions - recognizing their role as the "front line" of the department. * To involve staff in the review of maintenance programs, methods, and techniques, utilizing their input as a means of improving department operations. * To make efforts to keep employees informed of changes and new developments in the department involving parks planning, programming, maintenance, and resources management. * To encourage and facilitate the training, education, and skill development of personnel with a goal of enriching the professional growth of each employee and improving services to the public. 34. * To continually strive to recognize the achievements and accomplishments of employees, whether by informal or formal means, whenever the quality or efficiency of services to park customers is enhanced. * To look to outside agencies and colleagues as a source of inspiration and new ideas in the construction, maintenance and operations of Eagan's parks and recreation facilities. 12wp:missions.tat DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATION INTRODUCTION The City of Eagants Parks and Recreation Department staffing level has experienced a rapid expansion in recent years, driven by the explosive growth of the community and diverging park system infrastructure. This growth has necessitated that the department be formally organized into major divisions, each with distinct roles and responsibilities. While each individual division has its own roles, it must be stressed that all the divisions do work together to meet the overall mission of the Parks and Recreation Department. DIVISIONS There are four major divisions that comprise the Parks and Recreation Department. These are the Administration Division, Planning/Construction Division, the Recreation/Marketing Division, and the operations/ Maintenance/Resource management Division. A brief description of each of these divisions and their major responsibilities follows. Administration This division consists of the Director of Parks and Recreation, the temporary administrative interns, and the administrative support staff. Responsibilities of this division include the overall framework and goals of the department, as directed by the City Council and the Advisory Park and Recreation Commission. Long-range planning, specific parksite acquisition and development, capital improvements and funding, and overall budget management are also included in this area of the department. Additionally, park and shelter building reservations are coordinated through the administrative support staff. Park Planning/Construction The activities of this division are coordinated through a full-time Landscape/Architect Planner and are augmented by temporary landscape planning personnel and contractual arrangements with environmental and architectural consulting firms. Specific functions include the analysis and design of new neighborhood and community parks, development of plans and specifications for buildings and facilities, preparation of landscape plans, and assistance to the Director with land-use feasibility and comprehensive park systems planning issues. The Maintenance/operations Division works in close cooperation with 3~ this Division particularly as it pertains to implementing the construction of surface development in parks, such as playgrounds, skating facilities, reforestation, and park site amenities. Recreation/Marketing This division is comprised of the Superintendent of Recreation, Recreation Supervisors, program staff, temporary/seasonal employees, and any officials necessary to conduct the various recreation programs. The wide range of programs that the Recreation Division offers - from the pre-school Tiny Tots to the Senior Citizens programs - all originate from this division. Their responsibilities include the design implementation, administration, and evaluation of these programs. Also included in this division's area of responsibilities is @'marketing@$ and promotion of the Cityls recreation programs and parks facilities. Operations/Maintenance/Resource Management This division is comprised of the Superintendent of Parks and includes the City Forester, Water Resources Coordinator, operations and Maintenance Supervisors, Park Maintenance Workers and seasonal/temporary employees as required by workload/seasonal demands. This division is responsible for ongoing maintenance, parks operations, physical improvements to the parks and support facilities, community tree conservation, and water resources management. operations/ Maintenance Divisions are also responsible for responding to the needs of both the Recreation and Planning staff, as communicated either directly by these divisions or through the Superintendent of Parks. communication As the Department Is staff increases in number, so does the need for accurate and timely communication among the various divisions within the department. This need is further complicated by the physical separation of the divisions which are housed in two different buildings - the Municipal Center (Administrative and Recreation Divisions) and the Operations/Maintenance/Resources Management Division which is located in the Maintenance Facility. The majority of everyday or casual information exchange is facilitated via the telephone or face to face communications between the individual divisional supervisors. An example of this type of communication consists of minor maintenance demands or operational glitches (e.g., burnt out light bulbs, cleaning supply needs, etc.). The major information compilation/exchange is conducted through formal meetings, on a regular basis at staff meetings, and special meetings conducted among division heads and affected supervisors. Examples of these type of meetings would be for special event planning, long-range goal setting, budget proposals, etc. It is through this communication network that the overall direction of the department is established and carried out. In addition to the intra-divisional communications, there is a need for intro-divisional communication, especially a division as large as the operations/Maintenance/Resource Management Division. (This division consists of 13 full-time personnel, and increases to three times that number with seasonal personnel during the peak seasons.) Since the maintenance management plan is mainly concerned with this division, its communication methods will be discussed in greater detail than the other divisions. As was previously mentioned, overall direction of the department is communicated through formal staff meetings. The main representative at the meetings of the operations/maintenance/ Resource Management Division is the Superintendent of Parks. The Superintendent then meets with the division supervisors on a regular basis, to compile goals statements, planning calendars, and operational manuals, taking into account the overall departmentis needs, personnel, equipment and material availability, weather considerations, scheduled events, conferences, etc. On a more finite level, weekly schedules are prepared between the Superintendent and Supervisors who use them as a planning guide to make out their daily work schedules and assign tasks to the individual members of their respective teams. Nov each supervisor disseminates work orders is left to their own discretion and individual style. The various methods employed range from daily verbal direction, a log book, and weekly schedules supplemented with additional daily (usually verbal) guidance. While each supervisor employs their own task assignment styles, all report back to the Superintendent regarding the current status of projects and projected completion dates. In this way, advance planning and goal setting to maximize utilisation of department resources can be employed, minimizing $'lag-time" between projects. The preceding discussion of work assignments was based on scheduled objectives for the work force. Additional demands are also frequently placed on the division that cannot be anticipated. Examples of these occurrences include unscheduled maintenance (clogged toilets, equipment breakdowns, vandalism repairs, etc.) requests from the public (extra picnic tables, tree inspections, weed inspections, etc.), and cooperative responses to other divisions' or departments@ needs. These are often telephone requests and are normally directed to the responsible supervisor, who then makes a determination on what the appropriate response should be. Such responses range from immediate (re-assigning staff and equipment, if needed) to future rectification (including the task in the next weekly schedule). It should be pointed out that while the communication system currently employed does work, the need for a more sophisticated system, particularly in regards to work assignments and task completion documentation, has been recognized. With these objectives in mind, a more systematic, effective communications method is being developed. Areas currently being explored range V1. from a simple work order system, to computerised programs that could be utilised for routine recurring scheduling and greatly enhanced record keeping capabilities. Currently, this enhanced communications study is in its infancy. However, as it is developed and instituted, it will be included in the annual update of the total Maintenance Management Program. 24wp:deptorga.niz 40. PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT Director Consultant of Commission Parks and Recreation Administrative Park Planner/ Water Superintendent Superintendent Support Landscape Quality - of of Staff Architect Coordinator Parks Recreation --T-- Maintenance Parks Parks Recreation Recreation Facility I Forester Operations Maintenance Supervisor Supervisor Administrative I Supervisor Supervisor (Athletic) (Programs) Support - F- Forestry Park Attendants Parks Officials/ Temporary Parks Patrol Technicians Seasonal - L Maintenance Temporary Employees Maintenance I Workers Employees Contractual Services w ` Summer Youth Seasonal Weed Programs - Temporary Inspector Volunteers Workers 24wp5.deptorga.nz WORK UNIT STANDARDS PARRS MAINTENANCE Hours/ Units/ Units/ Personnel ro ram Function Unit Unit Hour Day Required Mowing and Boulevards miles .8 5.0 2 Trimming Parks - Rotary acre 2.5 15.0 Trimming (only) 500 ft. 1.0 7.0 Mowing (only) Boulevards miles 5.0 6.0 1 Rotary acre 3.0 18.0 1 Reel (7 gang) acre 7.0 42.0 1 Tri-plex acre 3.0 18.0 1 Push mower acre .5 3.0 1 Turf Maintenance Fertilization - tractor acre 5.0 35.0 1 Fertilization - trailer acre 10.0 70.0 1 Fertilization - hand spreader acre 1.0 7.0 1 Aerification - self propelled acre .25 1.75 1 Aerification - Olatae acre 1.5 9.0 1 Weed Spraying - Boom acre 2.5 15.0 1 Weed Spraying - Wand acre .5 3.0 1 Weed Spraying - Cushman acre 2.5 .5 1 Overseeding - Slicer acre 1.2 7.2 1.5 Overseeding - Brillion acre 2.0 14.0 1.5 Topdressing acre 2.5 17.5 2 Irrigation - Start-up system 2.0 4.0 2 Irrigation - Winterization system 4.0 2.0 2 Irrigation - Head Adjustment each 12.0 80.0 1 Soccer Fields Field Layout each 3.0 2.5 2 Lining each 1.0 7.0 1 Painting Goal each 1.5 4.0 1 Tennis Courts Preparation/Net Installation court 3.0 2 Inspection/Repairs court 3.0 21.0 1 Winterization court 3.0 21.0 1 Lighting adjustment lamp .5 2.0 14.0 2 Basketball Net replacement(spec. response)each .75 1 Hardcourt Painting (board/standard) each 1.5 4.0 1 Archery Range Bale installation/adjustment standard 1.0 7.0 2 ~3. Hours/ Units/ Units/ Personnel Progr Function Unit Unit Hour DDDgy Required Playstructures Inspections/repairs each 3.0 24.0 1 Surface enrichment(2" base) each 8.0 1.0 2 Weed pulling each 1.0 8.0 1 Perimeter staining each 4.0 2.0 1 Trails - Mowing miles 1.2 8.0 1 Internal Brushing (annual) feet 50.0 400.0 2 Sweeping - bituminous miles 2.0 15.0 1 Blading - aglime 1000' 1.0 7.0 2 Water Access Installing/removing docks each 1.0 7.0 2 Staining docks each 2.0 4.0 1 Beach enrichment/leveling load 1.5 5.0 2 Rinks - Painting/Staining (spray) each 6.0 1.2 1 Pre-season Painting/Staining (brush) each 20.0 .3 1 Berm placement each 2.0 4.0 2 Portable rink installation each 48.0 .15 2 Hockey Rinks - Sweeping/shoveling each 3.0 21.0 1 Operations Snowblowing - 3" each 2.0 14.0 1 Snowblowing - 6" each 1.0 7.0 1 Ice establishment each 10.0 1 Sealing each 4.0 24.0 1 Shaving - Zamboni each 2.0 14.0 1 Edging each 2.0 4.0 1 Line establishment each 5.0 1.4 2 Line painting each 3.0 2.3 2 Net repair/painting each 2.0 4.0 1 Site inspections each 3.0 24.0 1 Net/gate - delivery/pickup each 2.0 16.0 2 Operation supplies - set up each 2.0 16.0 2 Winter Facilities Sledding fence - installation feet 50.0 400.0 2 Trails grooming mile 2.0 15.0 1 Snowplowing - trails (3") mile 4.0 30.0 1 Snowplowing-roads/parking(3") 100 stalls 1.0 7.0 1 Building Cleaning - routine Maintenance - Trapp Shelter each 1.5 1 - Rahn Shelter each 1.5 1 - Rahn Athletic each 1.0 1 - Goat Hill each 1.5 1 - Northview each 1.5 1 - Quarry each 1.5 1 - Skyhill each 1.5 1 - Carnelian each .5 1 - Thomas Lake each 2.0 1 - Small pavilions each .5 1 44. Hours/ Units/ Units/ Personnel o ram Function Unit Unit Hour Day Required Building Cleaning - deep each 5.0 1.5 2 Maintenance Furnace cleaning/Inspection each 1.0 7.0 1 Winterization/Pre-Season each 2.0 4.0 2 Supplies inventory each 2.0 15.0 1 Park Furnishings Staining - tables each 2.0 15.0 1 - benches each 2.0 15.0 1 Painting - grills each 2.0 15.0 1 Signage Park identification - staining/painting each 1.5 5.0 1 Individual - staining each 5.0 40.0 1 - replacement each 2.0 15.0 2 Lighting Inspection system 2.0 15.0 1 Replacement/aiming lamp 6.0 40.0 2 Grounds/Refuse Litter patrol (ave. cond.) acre 2.0 15.0 1 Waste collection system 8.0 1.0 1 Vehicles/ Equipment Checks Equipment - Vehicles (weekly) each 25 min. 1 - Tanker trucks (daily) each 20 min. 1 - Gangmower (daily) each 1 hour 1 - Gangmower (weekly) each 4 hours 1 - Groundsmaster (daily) each 45 min. 1 - Groundsmaster (weekly) each 1 hour 1 - Bobcat (daily) each 15 min. 1 - Tractors (daily) each 15 min. 1 - Chipper/tree spade (daily) each 15 min 1 Vehicle Care - Washing each 2.0 16.0 1 - Waxing each 1.0 8.0 1 Reels Maintenance - Lapping reel 1.5 12.0 1 Natural Resources Aeration System Set-up each 4.0 2 Aeration inspections/cleaning each 1.5 2.0 1 Prairie burn acre 4.0 2.0 4-6 46. WORK UNIT STANDARDS PARRS DEVELOPMENT Hours/ Days/ Unit/ Personnel o ram Function Unit Unit Unit We Required Play Equipment Layout/Staking each 2.0 2 Structure installation - 4 deck each 24.0 3.0 3 - 6 deck each 40.0 5.0 3 - 8 deck each 56.0 7.0 3 Perimeter installation 200' 56.0 7.0 2 Base installation 300 yds. 16.0 2.0 2 Site restoration each 4.0 2 Hockey Rinks Layout/Staking each 4.0 .5 2 Post installation rink 48.0 6.0 2 Corners installation 4 8.0 1.0 2 Plank installation rink 72.0 9.0 2 Staining/painting(2 counts)both sides 24.0 3.0 1 Grading/backfilling rink 16.0 2.0 2 Benches Pad framing each 4.0 10.0 1 Pouring/Finishing each 4.0 10.0 1 Container Pads Pad Installation each 2.0 20.0 1 Pouring/Finishing each 2.0 20.0 1 Irrigation Layout (100 heads) system 16.0 3 Trenching system 80.0 2 Mainline/Installation system 70.0 2 Lateral Line installation system 200.0 2 Cleanup/Restoration system 150.0 2 Park Signs Identification each 4.0 10.0 2 Standard (4" x 4") each .5 75.0 1 Infields Layout each 4.0 2 Scalping each 32.0 2 Backfilling each 16.0 2 Grading/Shaping each 16.0 2 Turf Establish- Sodding (raking/laying) 50 yds. 1.0 1 ment Watering (tanker) 200 yds. 1.0 1 4. WORK UNIT STANDARDS TREE CONSERVATION Hours/ Units/ Units/ Personnel Program Function nit Unit Hour Day Required Pruning/Trimming Native Trees each 3.0 21.0 1 New trees in parks each 10.0 70.0 1 Boulevard trees each 2.0 14.0 1 Trail brushing - new lin. ft. 20.0 140.0 2 Brushing - established miles .1 .75 1 Mulching/ Mulching each 6.0 40.0 1 Irrigating Irrigating each 12.0 70.0 1 Fertilization Trees/Shrubs each 10.0 70.0 1 Disease Control Detection/analysis each 3.0 20.0 1 Chemical treatment each 3.0 20.0 1 Tree Wrapping each 10.0 70.0 1 Nursery Planting - new stock each 2.5 18.0 1 Maintenance Mowing nursery 2.0 3.0 1 Pruning each 20.0 140.0 1 Tree removal Diseased/damaged - 4" dbH each 2.0 14.0 2 - 8" dbH each 1.5 5.0 2 - 16" dbH each 2.0 3.0 2 Stump grinding - 4" each 4.0 28.0 2 - 8" each 3.0 21.0 2 - 16" each 2.0 14.0 2 Waste Abatement Compost Pile turning each 2.0 10.0 70.0 1 Tree Management Inventory Program Landscaping Staking each 5.0 1 Planting each 1.2 6.0 2 Inspections Public consultation - on site each 2.0 15.0 1 - phone each 5.0 35.0 1 5wp:workstan.drd 4?. PARR MAINTENANCE STANDARDS Introduction For a maintenance program to be successful it is first necessary to clearly define the level of services which are deemed optimal for each element contained in that program. For park and recreation facilities, the level of desirable maintenance is generally based upon several interrelated factors. These include: * Type and intended use of facility * Levels of use by the general public * Frequency of programmed recreation activities and special events * Reserved usage of facilities * Aesthetic considerations; visibility to users and community * Public safety and cleanliness * Maintenance of structural and mechanical integrity of facilities The following section provides a basis for determining the appropriate levels of maintenance for each of the major facility classifications in Eagan's parks. For each facility, varying levels of maintenance have been defined, along with selection criteria to ensure a uniform and strategic method of classifying each park and facility. For the purposes of this maintenance program, these varying levels are referred to as "maintenance modes". Each maintenance mode describes both the frequency to which maintenance is to be performed as well as an indication of the quality level. For example, in the case of turf management as many as seven modes have been set up. In this case high quality premium turf, commonly associated with athletic sites or public buildings, is defined as "Mode I". Conversely, infrequently maintained sites, such as mowing of secondary road ditches, is classified as "Mode VII". Other facilities, such as play structures, have only one maintenance level defined. In this particular instance child safety and risk management form the major parameters of the playground maintenance program. Therefore, it is desirable for the City to maintain all of it's playground equipment at the highest possible level without bias relative to levels of use, recreation programming, or any of the other characteristics defined above. `T" Maintenance mode levels have been established for fifteen types of park facilities. These facilities include the following: Turf management Water access facilities Athletic facilities Skating sites Soccer fields Winter facilities Play structures Park furnishings Tennis courts/hard courts Buildings and structures Horseshoe Courts Parking lots/roads Archery ranges Lighting systems Sand Volleyball Courts Grounds/Refuse maintenance Trails - Park and boulevards To assist the reader, a summarization of the maintenance frequency levels associated with each of these classifications appears on a graph following each of the narrative descriptions. The classification program, thus, provides a framework upon which maintenance planning, scheduling, and allocation of department resources (equipment, manpower, and budget) can be most effectively carried out. Through it's ratification by the appropriate bodies (Advisory Park and Recreation Commission and City Council) the classification program can offer to department managers and recreation users alike, expectations for the degrees of maintenance quality and frequency on both a facility and park specific basis. In essence, the document thus becomes a public policy statement reflecting the methodology by which the park system will be operated and maintained. park:classify MAINTENANCE STANDARDS Components 1. Turf Management 2. Athletic Fields 3. Soccer Fields 4. Play Structures 5. Tennis/Hardcourts 6. Horseshoe Courts 7. Archery Range 8. Sand Volleyball Courts 9. Water Access 10. Trails 11. Winter Facilities 12. Skating Sites 13. Park Furnishings 14. Shelters and Pavilions 15. Lighting Systems 16. Parking Lots/Roads 17. Grounds/Refuse 14wp:mntcmode.com S~. MAINTENANCE STANDARD HORSESHOE COURTS A maintenance program aimed at providing the highest level of safety, function, and appearance of the Cityls horseshoe court facility. Mode I The only current classification mode for horseshoe courts pertains to the existing facility in George Ohmann Park. Facility designed to accommodate up to eight regulation matches. Heaviest period of use is in the early spring and summer, with league play beginning in mid-May. Use levels have been low during the balance of the summer and early fall. Inspection of pits, stakes, bang boards, and scoring stands conducted on a monthly basis during seasonal usage. Painting of scoring stands and replacement of wooden bang boards coincides with need as determined during an annual pre-season inspection. Repair of concrete edges around the pit areas is also conducted on an as needed basis. Replenishment of the blue clay is initially conducted prior to the operational season, and weekly thereafter, by Horseshoe Club members, as desired. Litter pick up and edging of the turf around the concrete walks and pits are performed in conjunction with the weekly turf maintenance. 24wp:horsesho.ect ~2. HORSESHOE COURTS MAINTENANCE SUMMARY Mode Inspection Painting/Board Replacement Clay Emulsion I Pre-Season, Two Years Annual Enrichment Monthly thereafter 24wp:horsesho.ect 53. MAINTENANCE STANDARDS SAND VOLLEYBALL COURTS A maintenance program designed to provide the highest level of safety, function, and aesthetics of the Cityls sand volleyball courts. The primary factor in determining maintenance mode classification is the degree and type of usage. Mode I This highest level of sand volleyball court maintenance is for the courts that are used in scheduled recreation programs (league play). These courts have permanent net standards, a sand blanket with retaining border, and secourt" boundary markers. Maintenance at this mode consists of ensuring proper net tension, maintaining placement of boundary markers, staining net standards and perimeters as needed, and leveling/redistributing of the sand blanket. Litter pick up is conducted on a daily/as needed basis by the park attendant during scheduled usage, and in conjunction with the weekly turf maintenance. Mode II Sand volleyball courts in this classification are used on a a casual basis, normally in conjunction with reserved usage of adjoining facilities, such as pavilions or shelters. These courts have permanent net standards and a sand blanket, but are not used for any organized league play nor do they employ formal $'courtss boundary marking system. Maintenance at this level is primarily conducted by the park attendant, in conjunction with reserved usage. Required maintenance includes leveling/redistribution of the sand blanket, maintaining proper net tension, staining of the net standard and retaining perimeter, litter pick up, and maintaining the sand blanket in a vegetive free state. 24wp:sandvo11.eyb ~4 BAND VOLLEYBALL COURT MAINTENANCE SUMMARY staining Adjust Level/Redistribute Reset Litter Net Standards/ Net Tension Sand Blanket Boundary Markers Pick Up Perimeters Mode I Daily Daily Daily/As Needed Daily Annually/ As Needed Mode II Per Reservation Per Reservation Per Reservation Per Reservation h 24wp:sandvoll.eyb MEMORANDUM TO: ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION FROM: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION DATE: JANUARY 31, 1991 RE: BLACKHAWK PARK CORRESPONDENCE Attached is recent correspondence regarding Blackhawk Park; this includes two "letters to the Editor" and a memo from Water Resources Coordinator Rich Brasch addressing Blackhawk Lake. For your information, staff met with Mr. Lano on January 22nd to respond to questions as outlined in his letter. Staff has had two major team meetings on the planning for the park. A third is scheduled for February 4th. Since a draft concept plan has not yet been done, some assumptions as to the destruction of trees and the "over-development" of the park, are therefore premature. In regards to access roads, staff is again re-reviewing alternatives looked at years ago when the City did perform an access study with the assistance of Parks Planner Tim Erkkila. KV:cm Attachments cc: Tom Hedges, City Administrator 57 . Mr. Ken Vraa January 15, 1991 Director Parks and Recreation City of Eagan 3830 Pilot Knob Road Eagan, Mn. 55122 Dear Sir, We the residents of Blackhawk Pond have in recent weeks become aware of some of the Park Board plans regarding Blackhawk Park. We appreciate your welcoming our input at recent Park Board meetings and our purpose in writing is the continuation of a meaningful dialogue. Please accept our assurance that we understand that Blackhawk Park is a resource for all residents of Eagan. We are aware that as early as 1988 Eagan residents expressed their concern regarding the lakes' water quality,impact of development on wildlife, and the removal of trees. We share these concerns, and it is our understanding that to date these issues have not been resolved. We are opposed to the planned road access to the park from Murphy Parkway and have serious concerns regarding how this access was chosen. In an effort to clear up any misunderstanding or misinformation on our part we would appreciate your providing the following information; 1] What other alternative accesses have or could be considered? Why was this access chosen? 2] Have environmental impact studies been done regarding accesses, planned development, and water quality? Could these be made available? 3] Clearly at least preliminary plans have been drawn for the interior of the park. While we are aware that these are subject to change we would appreciate a copy of your most current proposals. 4] Would the board consider presenting for council approval more than a single development plan? We look forward to your cooperation in providing a written response to our requests by the end of this month. This information will address much of the concern expressed by residents and hopefully lead to a more productive and mutually beneficial planning process. If in turn we can be of any service in providing you with additional information we would welcome an opportunity to do so and invite you to contact us personally. Sincerely, Citizens for a Better Blackhawk Park Mr. Tim Lano Chairman 1632 Hawk Place, Eagan ph.452-9063 cc; Mr. George Kubik Mr. John Griggs Mr. Jack Johnson Mr. Ted Billy Mr. Shawn Hunter (DO • Oi) city of eagan 3830 PILOT KNOB ROAD THOMAS EGAN EAGAN, MINNESOTA 55122-1P97 Mayor PRONE: (612) 454 8100 DAVID K. GUSTAFSON FAX (612) 454 8363 PAMELA WCREA TIM PAWLENTY January 22, 1990 THEODORE WACHTER Council Members THOMAS HEDGES Mr. Tim Lano, Chairman Oy Administrator Better Blackhawk Park EUGENE VAN OVERBEKE City Clerk 1632 Hawk Place Eagan, MN 55122 Re: Blackhawk Park Dear Mr. Lano: Thank you for adjusting your calendar to meet with me today. I don't believe we were able to get to all of the questions you had but hopefully, we were able to touch upon the questions which were the most important and significant to you. 1 do appreciate your frankness and the committee's approach to Blackhawk Park. Your directness in approaching the issues and your suggestions for dealing with parking is also timely, in that we are at a mid-point in our internal design process and this will allow us to review your suggested alternatives. Attached is the other piece of information that I promised to send to you. This is the memo prepared by John VonDeLinde, Superintendent of Parks, regarding Blackhawk Lake. This was done some months ago and now has been superseded by the Water Quality Management Plan, which you have a copy of. I believe you will still find John's memorandum very helpful in reviewing and understanding the complexity of dealing with Blackhawk Lake and the entire water shed. As I said, staff will be meeting on Wednesday, the 23rd, to continue from our initial staff session in regards to the park. I was able to share with you what transpired at the first session and I would be happy to send to you a copy of the mission statement for the park once it gets typed up. Again, let me offer to you my willingness to meet with your neighborhood group. As you know, I will be out of town between the 24th and 29th of this month, and therefore unable to meet with your group during this time. However, if there is another date that your group would like to meet, I would be most happy to meet with you. Let's continue to keep in touch with each other - Sincer y, n Vraa Director of Parks & Recreation KV/hls THE LONE OAK TREE...THE SYMBOL OF STRENGTH AND GROWTH IN OUR COMMUNITY Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer MEMO TO: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION FROM: RICH BRASCH, WATER RESOURCE COORDINATOR DATE: JANUARY 24, 1991 SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO BLACKHAWK PARK EDITORIAL (WATER RELATED ISSUES) The following responds to the water related issues raised in the "Letter to the Editor" in the January 20, 1991 issue of Eagan This Week. The article claims that Blackhawk Lake "is essentially dead and non-viable" and questions the logic of spending money to develop a park around a lake that can no longer sustain any fish. While the concern expressed by the author for water quality in Blackhawk Lake is legitimate, the conclusions drawn are somewhat misguided. First, Blackhawk Lake is not a biological desert. Indeed, it's biological productivity is too high. The suspected cause of the high productivity is high nutrient influx to the lake from an expanding and urbanizing drainage. The result is high populations of aquatic plants which die during the winter and rob the lake of oxygen as they decompose. This cycle severely limits the ability of the lake to support desirable game fish species. Hardy, undesirable species such as the black bullhead and green sunfish thrive, however. Second, the city has made a strong commitment to improve the water quality in this and other lakes within Eagan. In April, 1990, after three years and the efforts of a great many people, the City Council adopted the Water Quality Management Plan that will guide these efforts. Improvement of water quality in Blackhawk Lake is among the city's top water quality management priorities. While it is difficult to accurately predict the success of these long-term efforts, there are many tools that have been employed elsewhere and can be employed here to improve water quality sufficiently to support a game-fish population. One of those techniques is lake aeration, which will probably be a part of the Blackhawk Park plan currently being developed. Finally, there are lake uses other than fishing to consider. Wildlife viewing and canoeing, for example, are both highly valued lake uses that do not necessarily require that the lake be capable of sustaining a viable sport fishery. Both represent significant water-based activities that greatly complement other aspects of any community park. Rich Brasch Water Resource Coordinator wrc:vraa.024 ~G Z • by their surroundings, I included students were yvery noisy and In a class of approximately 20 with an incorrect answer, but the and respect for others and their this in my observations. rowdy as they came into the students, only three seemed well- teacher's response was, "Good, property. After 45 minutes, I began to room. They bombarded the behaved. Two boys were caught Sam, but that was an "example" EDITOR'S NOTE: Cheryl Berczyk's sense that the teacher was totally teacher with questions and when swearing. The teacher talked to of amazing. I want to know what series on discipline in schools continues in charge of this classroom. His she left the room for a minute, them both privately first and then the word means." This elemen- in mid-February, when educators and techniques and quick wit seemed they would throw things back and sent one to the principal's office. tary teacher was extremely en- parents comment on the subject. The to pull the class along. forth. There was a totally The boy said, "I will not take this couraging, continually telling series concludes in mid-March, when "Hmmmm, hmmmm," he would different attitude between these note to the principal. I was not students, "Super Job school-age children offer their perspec- say with a wide grits when a stu- students and those in the first _ swearing. "Excellent" and "Great." They live. letters Blizzard shrouds hope for peace Eagan Lions Save Blackhawk Park To the editor: How beautiful, I thought. Maybe Club thanked To the editor: and irresponsible planning. What spring really is on the way. But if the money allotted to This morning as I walked to the then I thought about how many for donation Because my house borders Blackhawk Park's development bus stop, I saw the maple trees in more blizzards we still might Blackhawk Park, I have an- runs out before the lake can be. our front yard had buds on them. have before the snow finally To the editor: ticipated its development with treated? First things first. melts. Our thanks to the Eagan Lions great interest, and up until now • Do the citizens of Eagan realize Club for their recent and most had assumed that any de- that Eagan already has 38 parks? It's kind of like world peace. It generous donation to the city of velopment of Blackhawk Park Eagan is not that big. Yet, the seems so long ago that we were Eagan Parks and Recreation would also mean its improve- parks department wants to clear watching Gorbachev come to Department. ment. It is with great dismay that even more trees and install yet Minnesota. Back then everything Lions clubs are synonymous I now find that the park commis- another over-sized parking facili- was hopeful; I even thought that with community service projects sioners are planning what I see as ty to develop Blackhawk Park. EAGAN we might finally have peace - and the Eagan Lions Club con- B 1 a c k h a w k Park's over- By their own admission, much of just like the buds on the maple tinues that tradition of doing good development. the wildlife living there would THISWEEK trees. for the community with their My neighbors and I have learn- cease to exist. I submit that PUBLISHERS spirited financial support. The ed that the water in Blackhawk Blackhawk Park is already there Joseph R. Clay • Daniel H. Clay But now, it seems like a huge Eagan Stagedoor Performers, Lake is essentially dead and non- for all of us to enjoy in its natural MANAGING EDITOR blizzard has come. At midnight the Eagan Fire Department, the viable. Isn't it ludicrous, then, to state, and any pavilions, paved tonight (Jan. 15), we could go to D.A.R.E. drug education pro- be planning the expense of roads and parking lots would not Bob Temple war. Saddam Hussein won't go gram and many, many other pro- thousands of dollars of our tax serve to improve the park, rather NEWS EDITOR away, just like snow that won't jects have been recipients of the revenues and grant money to to destroy it. Let's save Tony Taschner melt. Lions' generous contributions. build roads and recreational Blackhawk Park from the over- SPORTS EDITOR I keep hoping for peace to final- Those contributions are really facilities, fishing piers, etc., developers. Pete Temple ly come, but I know that there will gifts to the residents of Eagan around a lake that can no longer CLASSIFIED MANAGER be many more blizzards before with the benefits going to those of sustain any fish? This is clearly DAWNA ROYSTER Diane Henningsen we get there. us who live here. Our apprecia- an improper listing of priorities Eagan lion to the Lions Club. We trust OFFICE: ALICIA FINN, that all of Eagan joins with us as 1525 E. Highway 13 Burnsville we extend our thanks and ap- P.O. Box 1439 (Editor's note: Finn, an eighth-grade plaud their efforts. 10 United Way's Burnsville, Minn. 55337 studentle, wrote High School FMST C MI T 96ZHEI P. OFFICE HOURS: S: in Burnsville, wrote these words the TOM ELAN, mayor, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday morning of Jan. 15. They were sub- and GEORGE KUBIK, chair- 894-1111 mitted by English teacher Ginny man, Parks and Recreation Ad- puts you in touch 335-5000 Wheeler). visory Commission 4A JANUARY 20, 1991 THISWEEK 4A-Eagan Chronicle-Wednesday, Jan. 30, 1991 I LETTERS 11b • • W a& x, .Save scenic Blackhawk Let the : ,,ea uit To the ellihr: "get away." Our parks depart- Focus: j Thirteen years ago I moved to ment want to blacktop a road The long-anticipated court mow ' a small south suburban com- and a parking lot right into the case on the constitutionality of munity with a population under center of the park, cut down Minnesota' system of financing. 10,000. We all know this com- trees, add pavilions, possibly education finally began earlier 7 munity as Eagan. Back then, ballfields and in general over- this month., twice each day many residents develop one of our few natural For three days in -mid- Rehm would trek across the old settings we have left. January, lawyers and experts wooden two-lane Cedar Avenue People who frequent this park from both sides presented an ' Bridge, to and from Min- overwhelmingly support .keep- overview of their positions to the neapolis, a trip that would take ing this park as natural as possi- judge in the Sherburne County Twin Cities. about an hour depending on the ble. It takes hundreds of years Courthouse in Elk River. The The plaintiffs are askil weather. Why did so many for nature to grow a park for us. regular trial will begin Feb. 19. court to declare that make that journey daily? A naturalist hired by the city to Joel Sutter, our district's direc- finance laws in Minnesota Because of Eagan's beautiful study the park recommended for of support services, was one en an unequal and uncoi wooded land, rolling hills, varie- preserving what we have, and of the expert witnesses called to tional allocation of educE ty of wildlife, many lakes, and yet "our" parks department is testify in support of the plain- opportunity among s fresh air. In short, because it felt determined to make their own tiffs' case. children throughout the like we were living in the coun- decisions as to the development The plaintiffs in the case, the (The Minnesota Constituti try instead of a metropolitan of this park. organizations that started the quires that the state provi area. I invite everyone to visit lawsuit, are 52 school districts a "uniform" system of Since 1987, Eagan has seen B l a c k h a w k Park for (including Rosemount-Apple schools.) unbelievable growth, more than themselves, enjoy its natural Valley-Eagan), and 10 in- Our contention is that th . tripling in size. Unfortunately, setting, and voice any concerns d i v i d u a 1 s . The districts quality arises primarily be ith that growth wehave seena against destroying it. I'm not (including Osseo, Anoka- of the heavy reliance of r e a t l o s s in trees and against park development if it Hennepin, St. Francis, Albert districts upon the. local pr( undeveloped land. Now to make enhances Blackhawk Park, but Lea and Elk River) are general- tax base, which varies v matters worse, "our" parks over-development will be ly located in the outer-ring from school district to department wants to over- regretted later. suburbs of the Twin Cities or district. develop another park. We don't need another Carlson near the Twin Cities area. Districts with high pre Blackhawk Park near Interstate Lake Park tragedy. If we The defendant in the case is values can raise much 35E and Deerwood has many wanted every foot of our com- the State of Minnesota. A money from local pro mature trees, rolling hills, a munity developed, we would number of high property wealth lake, and numerous species of have built north of the river. districts (including Edina, St. tax taxes burden without placing t gi wildlife. What a fabulous lace ~ on their ciize: place Dennis Anderson Louis Park, Minnetonka and districts with lower prq to hike, cross country ski, Eagan Wayzata) have joined the case values. For example, observe nature, sled, and just in support of the state. These metro area school districts "intervenor" school districts approximately $1,500 mon Budget cut ideas ignored are generally districts located in student to spend each year the inner-ring suburbs of the our district does because To the editor: should be kept. No discussion or I would like to express my comments on suggestions for disappointment with the District budget cuts were permitted. Don't be afraid to Si 196 Town Meetings Jan. 15-17 in This would be like Congress only Apple Valley and Eagan. I sup- having input from the special in- Do you remember when you • port the district's educational terest groups supporting their first really realized that you programs, and also supported pet projects and programs, and were not the immortal in- C~ the November levy referendum, not allowing input on ideas for dividual you might have once but now that budget nuts are cutting the budget in order to thought you were? As we were necessary, I feel the district is achieve a balanced budget. growing up, didn't we avoid the not allowing for the citizens On Jan. 15,' when questioned issue of death and dying at all R'O1 discussion of budget cuts, on the issue of budget cuts, one - costs? Did we ever stop to think fter reading the Jan. 9 issue board member responded, "We about how we might be, as its paper, I was expecting an are going to stick to the publish- susceptible to death as our quest. They were vacationer open discussion of how the ed Town Meeting format elderly neighbors? Florida, and he found a see district should cut its budget for If you have ideas on budget cuts I can remember my mother set of keys. the 1991-92 school year. Quoting you can write them down and reading the local paper or talk- On the road, these kids de the articles: "Three meetings submit them to the district ing about a customer who had ed to drag race one anol have been scheduled, so the office." come into the bank with tragic This young man lost control public can tell the Board of Either the Countryside erred news of a young person's death. ended up on the side of Education what to ' keep and in its interpretation of an- I hear her hettPr n- than r Ad hiUh~&,ft- atnth January 20, 1991 City Attorney Jim Sheldon Severson, Wilcox Z., Sheldon 77.00 147th Street West Apple Valley, MN 55124 Dear Mr. Sheldon, I believe our city is about to implement a plan at Blacl.hawk: Park that is without community support, unnecessarily expensive and environmentally destructive. I ask your support in converting a bad idea into something th•e citizens of Eagan can support and be proud of. The part, board has planned a vehicle access through the south side of Blacl;hawk: Park. The reason for this entrance is obvious. Every other entrance was opposed by the affected neighborhood. The south end had no neighborhood to object and became the site of choice by default. This may make for expedient politics but quite frankly results in some bad planning. The south side Murphy Parkway access is the wrong idea for a number of reasons. It will result in the leveling of a 400 by 50 foot path of mature trees. This road will wind around a side hill, down a 60 foot vertical drop that passes through a lowland marsh area. (The cost of fill, retaining walls and excavating will be significant.) This is a downhill blind entrance. Lastly, this access runs through a residential neighborhood, just like the other accesses that were started but never completed. It gets worse. This road is going to cut through a virgin wilderness area, to provide access "to a fishing pier, on a lake that cannot support fish. All this vehicle access and traffic is to expose people to a rustic passive part:? I have the petitions, surveys and neighborhood meeting opinions that strongly support a passive parr. Everyone I have spoken to wants the same thing. A PASSIVE PARK, A SERENE SETTING TO ENJOY, WHAT IS LEFT OF NATURE IN EAGAN. I fear that the park boards plan to improve this park: will only ruin it. Does Eagan really need or want more asphalt and concrete in our nature areas? I have researched the master park plan, studied the plats around this Earl:, surveyed all the affected areas on foot, attended the park: board meetings, and personally interviewed all my neighbors in the Bl act;hawk: Park: subdivision. Let me aSSUre you that I have taken the effort and the time to become cognizant of the issues before seeking your help. I reviewed this letter with the "Citizens for a Better Blackhawk Park". This organization consists of the 18 families in the Blackhawk Park subdivision. This letter reflects both -their feelings and mine. I wish to take an.active part in this Park Planning process. I would not blame you, if your initial reaction is that this is one of those neighborhood groups that is out to put their parochial interests before the interests of the community. Quite franE::ly, some skepticism is healthy and realistic in these matters. I openly admit that the proposed road effects me personally. My lot borders the road. Please resist the temptation to discount my group and I because we are affected by the new park: access. I believe the facts overwhelming suggest that this issue needs to be reconsidered. -The present plan simply doesn't best meet the needs of the city of Eagan. If you wish to contact me, my home number is 452-9063. My worl•:: number is 341-5168. Thank: you for your consideration an this matter. I look: forward to working with the council. I am also sending this same information to the other Eagan Councilmembers. Enclosed a picture of where the roadway will pass through. Sincerely,, Tim Lano Spokesman for Citizens for a Better Blackhawk Park ~ At f~ ~ 1 t { i 1. ~ t l ~j. , b~. y., Lit' .•t r PIT . log! • Tim Lano 1632 Hawk Place - Eagan, MN 55122 S=lack London Jim Sheldon Councilmember • City Attorney 1300 147th Street T,'est Apple Valley, MTT 551.24 I \ ~f lF~if ~!}FFF711'.f~Ffit F3 iFF~jF/ PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS FEBRUARY 7, 1991 COMMISSION MEETING 1.* Efforts to prepare the hockey and pleasure skating rinks were hampered in the first half of the month by above average temperatures. The Department originally expected to begin base flooding operations on December 3 but found it necessary to wait until December 13 when colder temperatures arrived. Routine maintenance on the rinks began on December 26, the official day the warming houses were open. By January 1 the rinks were in good to excellent skating condition with plans to begin shaving and striping during the first week of the month. Other rink related maintenance in December included preparations of the warming houses, direction of cross country ski signs, preparation of the sledding hill and snow tubes at Trapp Farm Park, etc. 2.* Following the first significant snowfall in mid-December, the city of Lakeville--under a cooperative partnership with the city of Eagan--began grooming cross country ski trails in the city's parks. Similar to last year, the city will be operating and maintaining trails at Patrick Eagan, Blackhawk Community Parks as well as a novice/beginner trail at Northview Athletic Fields. 3.* Maintenance Staff completed work on constructing four new sets of broomball goals to be used in the city's expanding adult leagues this winter. 4.* In a program of ongoing improvements to the Rahn Shelter Building, new quarry the was installed in the entrance foyer to the building in early December. New tectum ceiling panels and light fixtures will be added next. Previous improvements have included new ceiling tiles and carpeting in the community center of the building, tiling of the restrooms, new door hardware, the addition of two energy efficient windows, painting of the interior and exterior and rehabilitation of the air conditioning unit. 5.* Construction began on four new sets of regulation size soccer goals. These goals will be placed at Ohmann Park for use next season as turf conditions permit. 6.* Aeration equipment was set up at Fish Lake in anticipation of its use some time this winter. Weather conditions and snow depth will largely dictate when the system will need to be activated. The Department of Natural Resources will make this determination and advise the city. The system at Schwanz Lake will not be operating this year in light of the diagnostic feasibility study and in basin sampling which will be done during the winter months (i.e. so as not to bias sampling results). 7.* The Forestry Department continued with the pruning of trees during the month of December. The winter months actually,offer the prime opportunity for pruning trees given the inactivity of most insects and. diseases and dormancy of sapwood. 8.* Superintendent of Parks John Vondelinde has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association. John will be filling a two year vacancy and will begin his term in January. The M.R.P.A. is a statewide organization of leisure service professionals with a current membership of about 300. 9.* On December 18, the City Council was presented with a citation award from the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association in recognition of the City's Park Ranger Explorer program. Five of the park rangers received the award from a representative of M. R. P. A. and Mayor Egan. This is the fourth consecutive year that the Parks and Recreation Department has received a Citation Award from M. R. P. A. 10.* On December 12 and 13 Park Operation Supervisor Rich Pelletier participated in a two-day training seminar at the regional headquarters of Motorola Inc. in Schaumburg, Illinois. This workshop provided an opportunity for hands on training in the use and troubleshooting of the MRI 5000 irrigation controller which Eagan currently has at four of its athletic facilities. 11.* During the summer of 1989, the staff from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the City of Eagan sampled the waters of Thomas Lake to determine its general condition. The results of that effort are included in a Lake Assessment Program Report recently published by the Pollution Control Agency. The report confirms the existence of a significant problem with the water quality of the lake. Only a very large reduction in the plant nutrient phosphorous - both in the lake and in runoff entering the lake - will allow the lake'to support the uses contemplated in Eagan's Water Quality Management Plan. The major question posed in the report is whether such a reduction is possible. 12.* Recreation staff have begun work on plans for the Winter Week-end; February 1, 2 and 3, 1991. A snow volleyball tournament is a new offering this year. A bracket geared to high school students is planned. 13.* Work on the Discover Us! portion of the 1991 City map is progressing. An updated facility/park grid is a prominent feature of the Department's side of the map. 14.* Planning for spring programs will begin in the next ten days to two weeks. A Recreation sub- committee meeting may be necessary as early as February 7th. 15.* All eleven warming shelters have been in operation for at least one week. Trapp Farm Park tubing hill has been open since December 15th. Despite sub-zero temperatures, the rinks have been busy days through the winter vacation week. The new Bridle Ridge Park Shelter Building has seen 60 to 100 people during a busy afternoon. Due to the temporary closure of Well Site Park, numbers are higher on all of the other available sites. The new hot chocolate sales at Trapp Farm, Goat Hill, Sky Hill and Bridle Ridge has been extremely popular. We have. had to re-order hot chocolate mix several times. 16.* Broomball began December 30 and 31 at Quarry Park. This year 20 teams are sliding through a season of seven weeks. That's an increase of two teams. Co-rec broomball begins January 4 with a league of twelve teams. Expansion is being considered for this rapidly growing program. 17.* Eight teams began the 4-man hockey season January 2. This is an increase of three teams over 1990. Games are played Wednesday evenings at Bridle Ridge Park. 18.* Basketball resumed play January 2 and 3. Sixteen, five-man teams and ten, three-man teams are enjoying these leagues. Their season runs into March. 19.* Both officiated and recreational volleyball leagues are filled to gym capacity. Co-ed recreational volleyball has 32 teams registered and officiate co-ed volleyball has 16 registered teams. The womens officiated volleyball league is filled with 8 teams. 20.* The Grand Opening of the Bridle Ridge Park Shelter Building was held Sunday, December 30th. Hot chocolate and cookies were available to t hose who came to celebrate. The 'Bridle Ridge Bunny' was on hand to skate with the children and led them in some games. A door prize drawing was held, and three people went home with a $10.00 Eagan Parks and Recreation certificate good towards any recreation program in 1991. Staff estimates that a total of 50-60 people were at the celebration. 21.44 The Eagan Stagedoor Performers are pursuing the concept of sponsoring a one day residency of a professional acting troupe. The groups of 5-6 actors would perform Androcles and the Lion. The opportunity to participate in a workshop with the actors is part of the agenda. It is likely that Saturday, March 16 will be selected for this event. Yet to be determined are: the facility, ticket sale sites and publicity time lines. 22.« Staff has begun to assemble preliminary projections on participant numbers for summer youth athletics. In all cases, increases are foreseen by the Eagan Athletic Association. Facilities will receive tremendous pressure once again. Ballfields at Carnelian and Ohmann (two (2) in number) will be added to the menu of facilities. However, the numbers of participants will likely exceed total field capacity despite these additions. The soccer fields at Northview Athletic will be rotated out of service for the summer. Heavy usage during the past year has necessitate significant turf repairs which require time to restore the playability of the fields. 23.« Staff will meet with Eagan High and Dakota Middle School staff regarding spring sports and physical education class units. It is anticipated that needs will exceed space. 24.« Parks and Recreation Director and Recreation Staff from the South of the River Communities met at Trapp farm Park. The Groundpounders running series was evaluated and deemed to be an asset to all seven communities. Other programs such as South of the River Tennis were discussed. The challenge to look to provide one new 'special' joint program annually was agreed to be in the realm of possibilities. 25.« Ten members of the Discover Eagan Walk and Bike Clubs attended a meeting on January 22. R.E.I. Co-Op sent a representative to discuss the latest equipment for both lifetime activities. Plans were set for the Earth Day Walk and a bike/picnic outing in May. 26.« 78 skates are taking ice skating lessons through Eagan Parks and Recreation. Beginners, adult beginners and power skating lessons are offered at two different sites. This is the second straight year this program has filled to near capacity. 27.4( Eight four-man hockey teams are enjoying this recreational league played at Bridle Ridge Park. Approximately sixty skaters play Wednesday evenings. 28.« The Co-Rec and Men's divisions of the Snow Softball Tournament are filled. This frolic in the field will happen February 2 at Northview Athletic fields. Ten Co-Rec and eight men's teams will chase an orange ball through the drifts. 29.« The eleven warming shelters throughout the city continue to see good use by skaters and tubers this winter. Especially popular are Trapp Farm Park's tubing hill, the new shelter at Bridle Ridge Park, Sky Hill Park and Goat Hill Park. 30.« Six adult teams are registered for the Boot Hockey Tournament scheduled for February 3 at Rahn Park. This also is a part of the Winter Weekend activities. There will be many other activities that weekend including a skating parry, snow sculpture contest, ice fishing, tubing and more! 7l. 31.« Plans are underway for the 1991 adult softball season. 220 teams are expected for the new season, up from 197 in 1990. Registration information is ready for distribution February 4. 32.44 Men's broomball on Sundays (12 teams), Mondays (8 teams), Co-Rec broomball on Fridays (12 teams), 3-man basketball on Wednesdays (10 teams), 5-man basketball on Wednesdays (8 teams) and 5-man basketball on Thursdays (8 teams) continue to play their respective schedules. Broomball ends in February and basketball ends in March. 33.« Our Tiny Tot classes will have a sliding party on February 6th and 7th at Trapp Farm Park. For many, it will be their first trip on a school bus. The shelter will be open for children and their parents to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and other goodies. 34.« The speedskaters final gathering is to be held at the 'Roll at the Dome' program. This will introduce our skaters to a new place to train, especially during inclement weather. Participants and their families will meet with instructor Kim Nyquist on Wednesday, February 13th. 35.« The Recreation Department has reserved 50 tickets to the 1991 United States Figure Skating Championships. We plan to visit the Target Center on Friday, February 15th. The competition that evening will include the Men's Original Program and the Championship Pairs Free Style Program. This trip is being offered in cooperation with Apple Valley parks and Recreation Department. 36.« The Saturday maintenance program has continued through the month of January with snow clearing and flooding of the A and B rinks for weekend usage. Other activities have included edging of the hockey rinks, trash pickup and maintenance to the warming shelters. The Forestry Department continued their work on the pruning of trees in municipal parks and at public building sites. The winter provides an optimal time for tree maintenance since most tree diseases and pests are inactive and the sapwood is dormant. The Forestry Department also completed its first phase analysis of feasibility of implementing a master street tree planting program. This information will be reviewed with the City Council and Advisory Park and Recreation Commission in the near future. Other preparatory work has included the ordering of trees for the City's annual public tree sale in coordination with the elementary schools' Arbor Day Program and cooperative program with First Bank Eagan, which is again co-sponsoring this year's Arbor Day Program. 37.« Preparations have already begun for what looks to be another extremely busy summer of parks maintenance. Maintenance staff has continued on the construction of new soccer goals for Ohmann Park, new athletic benches for neighborhood parks and construction of park identification signs. Park maintenance worker Steve Taylor has also begun the process of maintenance on the City's two gang mowers which includes sharpening of the reels and preparation of mowing decks for the Toro Groundsmasters. * 1/15/91 Council 2/7/91 Commission 72. MEMO TO: ADVISORY COMMISSION/COMMITTEE MEMBERS FROM: CITY ADMINISTRATOR HEDGES DATE: JANUARY 22, 1991 SUBJECT: ORGANIZATIONAL In 1987, certain procedures were adopted by the City Council for all commissions and committees. These actions will help each commission and committee member to maintain a certain accountability to the Council while understanding their specific mission as an appointed volunteer for the City. 1. Any commission/committee member who chooses to abstain on any issue must state his or her reasons for the abstention in the official commission/committee minutes. 2. City funds, unless budgeted within a specific departmental budget of the City, cannot be allocated for any purposes including special studies, conference attendance, capital expenditures or any related activity without approval by the City Council. This also includes special studies or reports whereby expenses are covered by the City's escrow policy. 3. The City Council will be notified of each and every special commission/committee meeting through notification by the City Administrator. A special meeting requires one week's notification and a specific purpose which is noticed to the City Council by the commissions/committees through the City Administrator. A special commission/committee meeting can only be called by a minimum of three members. 4. Whenever possible, special meetings with City staff called by the Chairperson or member of a commission/committee will be announced to the entire commission/committee. The purpose of the meeting is to be defined. Please contact your staff representative or this office for any questions or interpretations of the aforementioned organizational procedures. City Administrator cc: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers All Department Heads TLH/kf S 2.50 SEC. 2.50. ADVISORY COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES GENERALLY. All Advisory Commission and Committee appoint- ments authorized by ordinance or resolution shall be made by the Council at the second regular meeting in January of each year, or at such other time as determined by the Council, and such appointments confirmed prior to the expiration of the existing terms. The term of each appointee shall be established and stated at the time of his or her appoint- ment, and terms of present Commission and Committee members may be established, changed or terminated so as to give effect to this Section. Each Commission or Committee shall be composed of seven regular members who shall serve staggered (2 or 3 members subject to appointment each year) three-year terms, unless otherwise required by Statute, Code or resolution. However, no member may serve more than three consecutive three-year terms or more than nine consecutive years on any one Commission or Committee. An eighth member shall be appointed to each Commission or Committee as an alternate for a period of one year and shall have all of the powers and duties of a Commission or Committee member during the absence or disability of a regular member. Notwith- standing the provisions of this Section, the Council may by resolution establish special adhoc committees or groups consisting of any number of members appointed for periods at the Council's discretion. New appointees shall assume office at the first meeting of the Commission or Committee after appointment. However, all appointees to Commissions and Committees shall hold office until their successors are appointed and qualified. All vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as for an expired term, but the appointment shall be effective immediately when made and only for the unexpired term. No appointed Commission or Committee member shall be an employee of the City, but an ex officio member may be so employed. All appointed Commission and Committee members shall serve without remuneration, but may be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the performance of their duties when such expenses have been authorized by the Council before they were incurred. The Chairman and Secretary shall be chosen from and by the Commission and Committee membership to serve for the current year. Any Commission or Committee member may be removed by the Council for misfeasance, malfeasance or nonfeasance in office and his or her position filled as any other vacancy. Each Commission and Committee shall hold its regular meetings at a time established and approved annually by the Commission or Committee. All members shall be residents of the City. The City Administrator shall be an ex officio member of all Commissions and Committees; provided, that he or she may be represented by his or her assistant or some M person duly authorized by him or her. All Commissions and Committees shall act as advisory to the Council. Except as otherwise provided, this Section shall apply to all Commissions and Committees. 15 (8-31-88) JOB DESCRIPTION/QUALIFICATIONS Qualifications: 1. Resident of the City of Eagan 2. Willingness and dedication to commit both time and personal energy to the commission/committee. 3. An interest in the issues of the commission/committee. 4. Interest in and knowledge of the community of Eagan. 5. Interest in fulfilling a vital role in the quality of life for Eagan residents. 6. Willingness to seek input from neighborhoods, organizations and individuals. 7. Ability to maintain an objective approach to issues. Responsibilities: 1. Attend and participate in regular monthly meetings and special meetings. 2. Attend and participate in appointed study committees which may be required to conduct the affairs of the commission/committee. 3. To review issues and make recommendations to the City Council when appropriate. 4. Annually elect officers of the advisory commission/committee. 5. Annually review the department budget, providing suggestions to staff. 6. Perform factfinding tasks for the City Council. Reports To: 1. , City Council Performance and Evaluation: 1. Self evaluation by commission/committee. 2. Regular attendance and participation. 3. Knowledge and satisfaction that the commission/committee is fulfilling a vital role in the community. Condition of Work: 1. Generally a three (3) year term; appointed by the City Council. 2. No compensation but a great deal of personal satisfaction. Duties of Chairperson: 1. Presides over regularly scheduled and special commission/committee meetings. 2. Calls special meetings when it is required to conduct the responsibilities of the commission/committee. 3. Acts as spokesperson for the commission/committee. 4. Assigns members to special study committees. 5. Advises and consults with individual members concerning their participation on the commission/committee. Duties of the Vice Chairperson: 1. In the absence of the chairperson, conducts the meeting of the advisory commission/committee. 2. Performs assigned tasks as might be requested from the chairperson. Duties of Staff to the Advisojy Commission /Committee: 1. Assists in the development of the agenda and preparation of packet material. 2. Acts as liaison to the City Council for recommendations made by the commission/committee. 3. Provides direction and input to the commission/committee. 4. Performs fundamental research when needed. 5. Attends meetings of the advisory commission/committee and study committees. Organization: The advisory commission/committee work covers a broad range of issues which must be acted upon in a timely manner. To accomplish this work, regular attendance and participation by members is essential. Occasionally, the formation of "task" or "study groups" becomes necessary to look into or work further on more complex issues. (Assignment to these groups is voluntary). Because regular participation is important to the functioning of the commission/committee, the City Council in January of 1974 passed a motion that a member with three consecutive absences may be replaced on the commission/committee. If members find that commitments prohibit regular attendance or causes a period of extended absences, they should seriously consider resigning the commission/committee. Elected Officials, City Councils, and Advisory Bodies nel committee, budget committee, public reporting D. Citizen Involvement committee, purchasing committee, licensing com- mittee, and others. Public respect for government has been declin- ing. One way to diminish the negative feelings people have toward government is to increase mittees, council action is necessary to establish citizen involvement. them in the bylaws, by special resolution, or through motion. Citywide or neighborhood committees, special or- Committees may exercise all duties which the project review committees, and even block or- ganizations are some of the committees cropping council has legally assigned to them. They can have up in many cities. In many cases, the council has authority to conduct investigations and to make formed or encouraged these citizen committees. recommendations. Committees may not make They have saved time for public officials and have decisions on behalf of the council . made contributions which could only occur through citizen participation. In many cities, it is routine for the council to automatically approve a committee's recommenda- Council members have found that ignoring tions if the committee has done a thorough and citizen concerns can result in their removal from competent job. But, the council's final decision, office at the next election or in the defeat of a not the committee's recommendation, binds the program or activity through citizen opposition. city. To illustrate, committees may not enter into a contract or employ workers even if a specific Although city officials cannot, in most cases, motion of the council delegates such power to delegate decision-making authority to citizen them. groups, they can use citizens in advisory roles. This technique works, however, only if the council lis- Salaries of Mayor and Council Members tens to the advice. If the council doesn't follow the advice of the committee, it should give under- Except in first class cities, the council, by or- standable reasons for taking other action. dinance, fixes the salaries of the mayor and council members. The ordinance takes effect on the date When a council forms a citizens' advisory body, set in the ordinance but not until after the next it should lay out the ground rules for its activity succeeding regular city election. There is no and point out that in the absence of clear statutory referendum on the ordinance, by petition or other- authority to delegate responsibility, the council wise. 66 Until the council adopts an ordinance must, by law, make the final decisions. fixing salaries, previous salaries remain in effect . State law allows, and in some cases requires, city Salaries may be on an annual or monthly lump councils to delegate decision-making power to cer- sum or a per diem basis. The per diem may be tain independent boards and commissions. payable for each regular meeting, for each regular and special meeting, or for each day's service. Un- Independent Citizen Boards less the, ordinance provides otherwise, a lump sum and Commissions salary covers special meetings. 67 An employer must allow a city council member Independent citizen boards and commissions to take time off from his/her regular employment can help alleviate the council's workload. ►o attend council meetings. When the council The amount of discretionary power the council member takes time off without pay, the employer can give to such bodies varies. In some instances, must make an effort to allow the employee to such as a utilities commission, the statutes give the make up the time with other hours when the employee is available. commission all discretionary authority necessary to operate the utilities. In other instances, such as Iron Range cities have the authority to make per the airport board, the council may determine the diem payments to council members of $25 per day, board's discretionary authority in the enabling or- not to exceed 5250 per year, for absences from the dinance or resolution. city while on official business. 68 Page 94 Handbook for Minnesota Cities Chapter 6 Administrative boards may not exercise any selves serve, so the council becomes the powers or duties which the council could not give HRA. 72 The council may remove mem- to an individual officer. All of these boards, bers of the authority after a public however, can receive any or all ministerial powers hearing, for inefficiency, neglect of duty, necessary to execute their programs. or misconduct in office. 73 Such an au- thority is a public corporation with all the The statutes specifically authorize various in- usual corporate powers and duties. 74 It dependent boards and commissions. The following must make an annual report of its ac- is a list of the most common of these. With the tivities to the city council . 75 In addition, exception of civil service boards, special boards of the council must approve any low-rent review, the intergovernmental boards, and possibly housing projects the authority proposes, the housing and redevelopment authority, these 76 any area redevelopment plans of the boards and commissions may function only in an authority, 77 and any modifications of a advisory capacity in Plan B cities. redevelopment plan. 8 (See Part IV.) 1. Airport board. 69 The council may es- 6. Intergovernmental boards and commis- tablish this board by ordinance or resolu- sions. The council may create inter- tion. The statutes do not define the governmental boards and commissions. A powers, duties, or organization. These mutual agreement of the cooperating matters are left to the council to spell governments will set up the organiza- out. tional format, powers, and duties of such boards. (See Part IV.) 2. Civil service board and commissions. Civil service commissions can take several 7. Library board. All standard and Plan A different forms depending upon the state cities which have a public library or statute under which the council es- reading room must have a library board. tablishes them The mayor appoints library board mem- bers, with council approval. They serve 3. Hospital boards. 70 These boards may ex- without pay. The board may have five, ercise any hospital management powers seven, or nine directors, who serve over- councils confer upon them. The council lapping three-year terms. The mayor, may not delegate the power to receive and with council consent, may remove mem- disburse moneys. Any statutory city bers for misconduct or neglect of office. operating a municipal hospital may es- 79 Once established, the board prescribes tablish a hospital board to consist of five its rules of procedure, selects its officers, members. The mayor appoints board and controls the library fund. Besides ap- members with council approval for over- pointing new members to the board, the lapping five-year terms. The council may council must approve all purchases of remove members for cause. An affirma- land and proposals for the erection of tive vote of all five members of the council buildings, and receive and review an an- is necessary to abolish any board. nual report of the board's operations. 80 4. Housing and redevelopment authority. 71 A council can create a housing and 8. Park board. These boards, which the redevelopment authority (HRA) by pas- council may establish by ordinance in any sing a resolution stating that the city needs city with a population of 1,000 or more, urban renewal or redevelopment, addi- can have three, five, seven, or nine mem- tional veterans' housing facilities, or has a bers which the mayor appoints with coun- shortage of adequate housing for people cil consent. 81 The members, who are in low-income brackets. An HRA consists subject to removal for cause by the mayor of five members who may be officers and with council approval, serve overlapping employees of the city. The mayor appoints terms. The council establishes the rate of members with the approval of the council pay for board members. These boards ex- for overlapping five-year terms. In many ercise all authority the statutes provide 82 cities, the city council members them- including the selection of their officers , Handbook for Minnesota Cities Page 95 Elected OMcials, City Councils, and Advisory Bodies and the control of all money in the city's thorizing an agreement. 88 The purpose park fund. of the agency is to secure an adequate, economical, and rcliabic supply of energy 9. Recreation board. 83 Recrcation is usually for cities which own and operate a utility a function which the city council, the park for the distribution of electric energy. 99 board, or the local school board All agency powers lie with its board of administers. Generally, "recreation board" directors, and include constructing and refers to an independent commission that acquiring generating and transmission the school board, city council, and park facilities, the power of eminent domain, board establish cooperatively. The and the authority to issue bonds and statutes specifically authorize the forma- notes. 90 Any city council may, by resolu- tion of an intergovernmental commission tion, exercise any of these powers as if it with representatives from all three bodies were a municipal power agency. 91 plus citizen lay members. In such an or- ganization, the relationship of the city 12. Municipal gas agencies. 92 Any two or government to the recreation board is the more cities which own or operate a utility same as its relationship with other inter- for the local distribution of gas may form governmental boards and commissions. a municipal gas agency if each passes a resolution authorizing the agreement. 93 10. Utilities commission. Statutory authority The purpose is to secure an adequate, for an independent utilities commission is economical, and reliable supply of gas for in the City Code. 84 These commissions utility customers. 94 The board of direc- must have three council-approved mem- tors exercises all agency powers. 95 Any bers who serve overlapping three-year city may, by resolution, exercise any of the terms. The council may appoint one of its powers of a municipal gas agency as if it own members to the commission. It does were an agency. 96 not have to restrict its other appointments to residents of the city. The council may 13. Special board of review. 97 The governing prescribe a salary for the commissioners body of any city may appoint a special and decide which of the following board of review. This special board of municipally owned public utilities shall be review serves at the direction and discre- within the commission's jurisdiction: tion of the city council . The council deter- mines the number of members, the com- a. water; pensation and expenses, and the terms of office. At least one member of the special b. light and power, including any system board must be an appraiser, realtor, or for the production and distribution of familiar with property valuations in the steam heat; assessment district . c. gas; See later chapters in the Handbook for more in- formation on these boards and commissions. d. sanitary or storm sewer or both; Advisory Boards and Commissions e. public buildings owned or leased by the city; and Another important link in city governing ac- tivities is the work of advisory boards and com- f. cable and rebroadcast television sys- missions. These are much like the independent or tems. 85 The commission may exer- administrative boards and commissions. The city cise all of the discretionary ad- council may create and dissolve them by resolution, ministrative authority necessary for appoint people to serve on them, and exercise the management of the utilities. 86 other powers of general supervision over them. The council must, however, pass an ordinance to 11. Municipal power agencies. 87 Any two or create a planning commission. 98 more cities may form a municipal power agency if each city passes a resolution au- Page 96 Handbook for Minnesota Cities Chapter 6 There are several differences between indepen- ministrative citizen boards and commissions. In- dent boards and advisory boards. State statutes es- stead of diffusing authority for government ad- tablish most independent boards and commissions ministration over a number of different agencies, and give them some discretionary powers. Ad- many cities place all authority in the city council . visory boards conduct studies and investigations This centralizes responsibility for the proper direc- on behalf of the council and, as a result of this tion of local government affairs and increases work, submit reports and recommendations for voter understanding of government. Frequently, council consideration. No advisory board or com- this trend leads to pressures for greater simplifica- mission decision takes effect until it has been for- tion and centralization in administration as well. many accepted by ordinance or resolution of the The council-manager form of government (Plan B) council. is an answer to this pressure. Advisory groups may be organized in any man- The second trend has been a greater use of ner the council deems appropriate. The council council committees and citizen advisory boards or may find it wise to appoint people who represent commissions. These assist the council by making various special interest groups in the city. recommendations in specific, complex areas of government activity. An advisory commission may be an ad hoc body which the council creates for a special purpose, to The third trend is the increased use of ad- conduct an investigation, for example, and which ministrative assistants whose duties and functions ceases to exist when it has fulfilled that purpose. lie somewhere between those of a manager and Some mayors appoint these bodies informally to those of a clerk. act as advisory groups without official powers. Planning commissions. Cities can establish E. Meetings of the City Council these bodies by passing an ordinance describing Because the council has a vast reservoir of au- their organization and powers. 99 City officials, thority, and because the council can exercise this such as the mayor, attorney, and engineer, are fre- authority only when it meets as a group, council quently advisory members. The council, by a two- meetings are important to both the council and the thirds vote, must pass an ordinance in order to dis- general public. State law provides certain solve a planning commission. 100 procedural requirements for council meetings. 101 Other advisory boards and commissions. Other advisory boards and commissions that city councils Annual Meeting commonly establish include: industrial commis- sions, of which have power to study the ways and means of attracting more commercial and in- dustrial development to the city; safety councils, Technically, there is no annual meeting in which advise the council on safety programs; and statutory cities. With the biennial election system, intergovernmental agencies, such as a joint plan- the reference to an annual meeting is probably in- ning commission, which the city sponsors in appropriate, but the law does require an annual cooperation with other units of government. designation of an official newspaper. 102 The council should act on or review several other items Statutory cities may create advisory boards and at least annually. The term "annual meeting" often commissions in any field. Cities which adopt Op- refers to the first council meeting of each new tional Plan B may, instead of abolishing their in- calendar year when the newly elected council dependent boards and commissions, alter the members take office and perform certain annual status of these groups to that of advisory boards duties. and commissions. The statutes do not set a datc for this meeting; Use of Citizen Committees council bylaws usually prescribe when it will occur. Because new council members start their term on As government has become increasingly com- the first business day of January, the meeting may plex, city governments have followed three trends. take place as early as January 2. At this first One has been to use fewer independent or ad- meeting, the council should perform the following: Handbook for Minnesota Cities Page 97 • ENGINEERING REeR~ATOir PROGRAMS . TRAFrIC CONTROL ADMINISTRATIVE • PARKS & PLAYGROUND WAT T SEWER SEWER -EQUIPHENSTREEEQUIPMENT ORGANIZATION ~ENANCE ER, & SBADE TREE PROGRAM CITY OF EAGAN • PARKS & PLAYGROUND MINNESOTA DEVELOPMENT PUBLIC NOR" • PATROL DEPAR'iT~NTS • CRIMI)WAL n4vr..STZGATZOI~ Pl1RE8 • CR33M PREVENTION it = PUBLIC INFORMATION ~'CRLATION • ALCOHOL SAFETY ACTION PROGRAM CITY • COMMON CATIONS TTV ANIMAL CONTROL • in PREPARL~Dl1FSS POLICE AMCMSTRATIOIff/XANAGMMT, RESEARQ, BUDGET CITY PERSONNEL, PUBLIC RELATIONS, CAALZ TV, ADS- MAYOR DATA PROCESSING IsTRA20 OUN C I L PINANCE CITY _ i • ACCOUNTS PAYABLE CLERE f ZS3I0lts • ELECTIONS/VOTER REGISTRATIONS • SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS • RECORDS PANAGEi~ITT ADVISORY" PrANNINM . TREASURY CONKUHI ADV~`PARKS` AND` REC..... • UTILITIC BILLING DE4ELOPMT • PAYROLL CABL:r TELZ7TS?ON • LICENSING S?EC' A.SSESS:4ENTS` . SOLID` 'VASTE.7 ABA?EMEPT"'. , • R003ING PROGRAMS • PLANliIHG ZONING FIRE `KIRPORT° RELa?IONS • PROTECTIVE INSPECTIONS ECONOMIC" DEVELOPMENT: • FIRE/LIFE SAFETY INSPECTIONS FIRE SUPPRESSION WATER .4MAGEMENT" • GOVT BLDGS OPERATIONS/ FIRE PREVENTION re _ MMI'TENANC E PUBLIC INFORMATION • RESCUE i W V ao Q a N O H zCl) W W Q F- N Q H Q m W Z M~ d ~ W Q C7 Q Q W a G. J W zz C3 ; Z (3' u N Z z F O J Z M- z z Z W V Q W ZCL d Q O W W ~WW a N N z m w OC Q °iS J C U cr. MU Q~ 2 U 40 N z LLJ w V cf) z Q O W F w J W Cr W Q Q V c~n ~J ~ O a~ v a a H Q z 6 be U aQ W J p v Q z QN Z z z m3 O H ~ Q N cs ro< i Z z cv Q W Q W Z ii m m 8 W Z J 0 a 3 W cn 91BLIDEXP GENERAL FUND R COMPARATIVE SUMMARY OF EXPENDITURES Proposed Actual Actual Budget Budget 1988 1989 1990 1991 GENERAL GOVERNMENT 01 Mayor i Council s 54,586 s 51,482 S 71,010 s 75,180 02 Administration 354,066 401,864 420,210 460,580 03 Data Processing 190,473 325,182 268,760 282,570 05 Finance/City Clerk 557,782 642,279 680,210 710,850 06 Legal 306,031 404,369 390,000 370,000 07 Community Devetopment 1,101,152 1,484,178 1,255,110 1,309,230 10 Cable TV 148,660 48,741 49,340 54,360 S 2,712,750 S 3,358,095 s 3,134,640 S 3,262,770 PUBLIC SAFETY 11 Police S 2,628,868 S 3,048,351 S 3,348,590 S 3,507,160 12 Fire 478,699 713,608 708,240 736,385 S 3,107,567 s 3,761,959 S 4,056,830 s 4,243,545 PUBLIC WORKS 21 Public Works Engineering S 632,458 S 701,583 S 677,900 S 700,690 22 Streets 8 Highways 964,995 956,619 946,670 863,590 24 Central Services maintenance 250,583 324,965 317,040 330,450 S 1,848,036 S 1,983,167 S 1,941,610 S 1,894,730 PARKS 8 RECREATION . 31 Parks 8 Recreation S 1,290,368 S 1,409,005 s 1,470,810 s 1,571,780 32 Forestry 70,155 88,359 97,750 104,280 S 1,360,523 s 1,497,364 S 1,568,560 s 1,676,060 OTHER 41 Contingency - s 65,490 s 32,055 S - S - S 6S,490 s 32,055 TOTAL GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES S 9,028,876 $10,600,585 $10,767,130 611,109,160 sss:s::::::: ss::sss::es: ::::::ssssss ssssssss:ss: available for credit cards. The But now I have a dilterent war raUy is covered it is mention- support woutu oe a strong one. My attention was immeuiate,_ clerk could =list run the check worry. My credit card companies ed and shown that a few pro- This would help wipe out our drawn to the article entitled through a .ne to determine are located in towns other than supporters counter pro- troops concerns about the anti- "DCTC prograr lps woman whether th omer had enough the one where I live. When I send testing. But t not their rally war protests at a time they need discover self su . ncy" (Jan. money in his/her account. It in my payment after I get their and they are represented in small to concentrate only on the task 27). It interested me because I am would be nice. bills, I hope they take my checks. numbers. So you can see the peo- they are faced with: presently a student in the Project ple are out there but need some Let's not sit around and debate Discover program. leadership so they are better able this any longer, but get busy and . I am 30 and a single mother of letters to pool their efforts. I've often do something. I know many peo- two daughters. I have struggled said if I knew of any support ple, like myself, want to take to stay off the welfare system in a rallies I'd go, but I don't, so I sit some action. If this is organized, number of dead-end jobs, trying night after night and watch the I'm sure you will be surprised at desperately to become self- Park should be for everyone news coverage on the anti-war the number of people that will sufficient, but I could never make 7 demonstrations. My frustration show up to support our troops, our it. I desperately wanted to go mounts. It is embarrassing that country and our leaders. We need back to school, but the older I got, To the editor : is clear to me that it was acquired the minority are better organized only some leadership to get the more afraid I was. Finally I I am responding to a letter that by the city of Eagan for public and more vocal than the motivated and moving. decided that dead-end jobs were appeared in the Jan. 20 issue of purposes either as a dedication of majority. no longer a choice for myself and Eagan Thisweek. The letter rais- land as a condition of de- What we need is an organza- HERBERTHEGSTROM my family. If I was to be self- ed concerns regarding the de- velopment approval or through tion to spearhead and organize a Apple Valley sufficient, I would have to return velopment of Blackhawk Park outright purchase. My family and large nationwide rally for the to school. So I swallowed hard, that the writer, as a neighbor, op- I, along with more than 40,000 took a deep breath and signed up poses. other residents, are part of that for Project Discover. I know little about the actual public and I take exception to the Preserve parks natural beauty I want to thank DCTC for the issues regarding the development implication that the development program. I especially want to of Blackhawk Park. However, it of the park be held hostage by To the editor: winning park. I feel strongly that thank advisor/instructor Nancy those who have the good fortune Since moving to Eagan in 1989, we already have an award- Bailey for her insight and to live in close proximity to it. I my family has been privileged to winning park and I love its wisdom. I am now on my way to have seen all too many instances enjoy the natural beauty of natural beauty just the way it is, self-sufficiency. I know it will EAGAN where a demand to enjoy a Blackhawk Park. It is such a as God gave it to us, and without take time and hard work, and a THISWEEK resource in its "natural state" is simple pleasure to walk the ski "improvements" such as lights, lot of determination, but I know a euphemism for keeping it inac- trails down to the edge of the lake parking lots, pavilions, and near- now there are brighter days PUBLISHERS cessible to the.general public. to sit in the grass and enjoy ly a mile of pavement through a ahead. I wrote this in response to Joseph R. Clay • Daniel H. Clay When the Park Commission nature. If you're very quiet you ravine that will cost hundreds of your article because I want to MANAGING EDITOR and City Council take action on may see our resident owl, a phea- thousands of dollars to excavate strongly encourage any woman Bob Temple the park proposal I urge them to sant, and maybe a couple of timid and pave. reading this, who wants to make NEWS EDITOR carefully take the interests of the deer, not to mention hearing a Do our already overburdened some positive changes in her life, Tony Taschner entire city and of the enierr- symphony of birds. taxpayers want or need another to take that deep breath or SPORTS EDITOR onment into account. It is with great sadness that I overdeveloped park? Can't we swallow hard - whatever it takes Pete Temple realize bulldozers soon will go please keep one last haven of - and sign up for Project PAUL KRAUSS ripping. through this forest, tranquility in a city that promises Discover. I will never regret that CLASSIFIED MANAGER Eagan down trees and destroy- ? I did. Diane Henningsen to soon be bursting at the seams . OFFICE: ing the homes of animals, many of whom will surely die - all in MARILYN BIXLER LINDA HENRY, 1525 E. Highway 13 the name of progress and the Eagan Burnsville P.O. Box 1439 creation of possibly an award- Burnsville, Minn. 55337 OFFICE HOURS: 8:30 a.m. - 5 A.m. Monday-Friday 8944111 i *A1 ~ FEBRUARY 3,1991'-', HISWEEK RECREATION SUBCONDAITTEE FEBRUARY 7, 1991 6:00 - 7:00 P.M. AGENDA 1. INTRODUCTIONS 2. LOOKING BACK ON WINTER INITIATIVES • Tubing Party • Snow Volleyball Tournament • Boot Hockey Tournament • Communication 3. STAFF PLANS FOR SPRING • Families • Preschool • Elementary Age • Middle School • Adults 4. HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH • Sand Volleyball • Open Play in May • Organize League Play for June 10 Start • Brainstorm Ideas