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10/16/1995 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission AGENDA ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA Monday, October 16, 1995 7:00 PM Blackhawk Middle School A. 5:30 PM Tour Caponi Art Park B. 7:00 PM Regular Meeting C. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance 7:02 pm D. Approval of Agenda 7:03 pm E. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of August 18, 1995 Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of September 18, 1995 7:05 pm F. Visitors to be Heard 7:07 pm G. Department Happenings Pages 1-2 7:10 pm H. Consent Agenda Pages 3-8 7:15 pm (1) Preliminary Subdivision and PD - Pet Food Warehouse (2) Benson-Orth Associates - Xpress Lube (1) Conditional Use Permits - Hoovestal, Inc. 1. Development Proposals J. Old Business (1) Conditional Use Permit - Benson-Orth Associates Pages 9-14 7:20 pm (2) Community Room Policy Pages 15-20 7:25 pm (3) Holz Farm Open Issues 7:35 pm K. New Business 7:45 pm L. Parks Development Update (1) Trail on Slater Road 7:50 pm M. Water Resources Update (1) Fish Lake Drawdown 7:55 pm (2) Review/Approval Eagan Promenade Wetland Replacement Pages 21-22 8:05 pm N. Other Business and Reports (1) Boulevard Tree Inventory Presentation Pages 23-24 8:15 pm (2) Summer Program Report - Youth Development Program Pages 25-26 8:30 pm 0. Round Table _ 8:45 pm P. Adjournment 8:50 pm The City of Eagan is committed to the policy that all persons have qual access to its programs, services, activities, facilities and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation or status with regard to public assistance. Auxiliary aids for disables persons wishing to participate are available upon request at least 96 hours in advance of the events. if a notice of less than 96 hours is received, the City will make every attempt to provide the aids. - city of eagan MEMO DATE: OCTOBER 12, 1995 TO: ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION FROM: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION SUBJECT: OCTOBER 16 COMMISSION MEETING The October meeting begins with a tour of the Caponi Art Park at 5:30 pm. After the tour, the regularly scheduled Commission meeting will begin at 7:00 pm at Blackhawk Middle School. As was discussed at the October 11 workshop session, this should be a fairly short meeting to allow for a Natural Resources Subcommittee meeting after. Since there are no development proposals this month, the approval of the Consent Agenda can be followed by the Commission's recommendation of the Benson-Orth development deferred from the September meeting. The Parks Development Update will be a verbal report followed by Water Resources Update and Other Business and Reports. If Commission Members are unable to attend the meeting on October 16, please call Cherryl at 681-4661. Respectfully Submitted, Ke Vraa Director of Parks and Recreation KV:cm Department Happenings 1. Staff have been working with Joanne Seaberg of the Dakota Council for Healthy Communities on a Violence Prevention Initiative event on October 12, 1995. The Eagan and other Dakota County community events focus is Turn off the Violence... Turn on the Light, "Building Bridges, Peace by Peace". The event will run from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the lawn adjacent to the Municipal Center and the Wescott Library. 2. The Eagan Athletic Association reports that it anticipates approximately 1,400 participants in basketball. Staff will conduct NYSCA Certification Clinics for the sport on October 10 and 11. 3. The District 196 Family Services Collaborative is working to formulate policies for access to the Grant Flex Funds. The fund is intended to provide emergency assistance to needy families. 4. B.E.A.T. - Building Eagan Action Team, a consortium of Eagan agencies: 196 schools, the library, Community Education 196, Ag Extension and a representative from the Wescott neighborhood, is the Eagan "arm" of the Family Service Collaborative. At a recent meeting a representative from HRA presented information on Public- Housing, Section 8, and eligibility issues. This information is important for B.E.A.T. members understanding of county services and their workings. 5. The Amazing Jeffo performed for the Eagan Seniors Group. Jeff is a magician who happens to be visually impaired. The seniors enjoyed his performance. 6. Staff are looking forward to packing up one more time for the move back to the Municipal Center. October 30 is the date for the move. 7. The Civic Arena Grand Opening was a well attended event. Over 650 people attended either the open skate sessions, the dedication ceremony or both. 8. Ken Vraa and Dorothy Peterson attended the NRPA National Congress Conference in San Antonio. The conference provides the opportunity to meet professionals from throughout the country, attend sessions conducted by experienced educators, and browse through an exhibit hall of over 1,000 exhibitors. 9. Staff will be attending the MRPA State Conference in St. Cloud, November 1-3. Staff have served on numerous committees to plan the conference. 10. In October, the seniors group will lunch at the Cracker Barrel Restaurant and play bingo; their favorite activity at Oak Woods. 11. An influenza immunization clinic will be held at Oak Woods on November 14 from 1-3:00 p.m. 12. Staff will be meeting with the Eagan Hockey Association outdoor ice coordinator very shortly. Allocation of outdoor ice for hockey practice is based on neighborhood and Association needs. 13. The installation of the playground structure and safety surface at Red Pine Elementary School is complete. 14. The winterization of irrigation systems began on October 9. Building winterization will begin on October 16. 15. A crew from the Twin Cities Tree Trust has begun working in the City on Saturdays. The repair of hockey rinks will be the first project. 16. A contractor has begun the installation of a maintenance strip at the Northview Complex. 17. The Street Department is assisting with the extension of a nonmotorized trail into Patrick Eagan Park adjacent to the Caponi Art Park. 18. Sentence To Serve Crews and City staff have installed 2,500 yards of sod and fill at Lexington Diffley to alleviate erosion. 19. Aerification, top dressing and fall fertilization are nearing completion. 20. There are 73 adult volleyball teams in the fall league. There are 15 womens, 8 mens, 25 co-ed rec and 25 co-ed officiated teams. 21. The preschool programs recently toured Appleside Orchards. Over 100 children plus some parents attended the trip on a school bus. The children went on a hayride through the orchard, learned how to pick an apple, learned about bees and honey and of course, ate apples. 22. The catch basin stenciling effort in the Fish Lake watershed headed by Eagle Scout candidate Luke Martin has been proceeding with blinding speed. As of last week, more than 1,200 catch basins had been stenciled and approximately half the residents in the watershed had received informational doorhangers. The project should be completed within the next two weeks. 23. The year was a banner one for catch basin stenciling activities for water quality education. Staff estimates that over 1800 catch basins were stenciled and over 5,000 doorhangers distributed as part of separate volunteer efforts by various Boy Scout troops, neighborhood groups, and a volunteer group called the Friends of the Minnesota River Valley. All of these groups deserve much recognition for the huge amount of work they put in. 24. Lake information kiosks are now installed and filled with good information about lake quality protection at Schwartz and Carlson Lakes. The displays emphasize the concept of watersheds for each of the subject lakes using satellite photos that allow visitors to pick out their own residence and determine whether it is within the contributing watershed of the subject lake. Many thanks to Steve Hadden and Scott Eppen of the Parks Maintenance Division for their work in constructing and installing the kiosks. 25. The alum dosing pilot project for Fish Lake was completed on schedule in late August. The project was a cooperative venture between the University of Minnesota and the City of Eagan and was funded by a grant from the Metropolitan Council. The data is currently being analyzed by the University of Minnesota and should provide valuable information on the design for the permanent dosing station proposed as part of the Fish Lake Water Quality Improvement project. o• CONSENT AGENDA Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission October 16, 1995 1. PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION AND PD - PET FOOD WAREHOUSE FOR COMMISSION REVIEW AND ACTION: 1. This development shall be responsible for a cash parks dedication. 2. This development shall be responsible for a cash trails dedication. 3. Water quality requirements were previously met for this site and the entire Park Center PD with the construction of a detention basin (Pond AP-50) located south of the Senior Housing site. 4. There are no wetlands on this site. 5. There are no significant trees on this site. 2. BENSON-ORTH ASSOCIATES - XPRESS LUBE FOR COMMISSION REVIEW AND ACTION: 1. This development has fulfilled its parks dedication requirements. 2. This development shall be responsible for a cash trails dedication. 3. CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS - HOOVESTAL, INC. FOR COMMISSION REVIEW AND ACTION: 1. This development has fulfilled its parks dedication requirements. 2. This development shall be responsible for a cash trails dedication. 3. The Tree Preservation Plan as proposed should be approved. 4. Tree Protective Measures (i.e. 4 foot polyethylene laminate safety netting) shall be installed at the Drip Line or at the perimeter of the Critical Root Zone, whichever is greater, of significant tree/woodlands to be preserved. 5. The developer shall contact the City Forestry Division at least five days prior to the issuance of the grading permit to ensure compliance with the approved Tree Preservation Plan. 6. There are no wetlands on this property. 7. The developer shall work with Water Resources staff to so that the proposed detention basin will be modified to increase its minimum mean depth to 2.5 feet and wet volume to .4 acre feet. 8. Approval of this request is subject to conditions that address the engineering and water quality issues. MEMO city of eagan MEMO TO: ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION FROM: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT DATE: OCTOBER 11, 1996. SUBJECT: SUMMARY OF DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS ON SEPT. 16,1995 APRNRC CONSENT AGENDA Applicant: Pet Food Warehouse Request: A Preliminary Planned Development Amendment and Preliminary Subdivision ( Park Center Sixth Addition). Summary: Pet Food Warehouse is requesting approval of a Preliminary Planned Development Amendment to allow a 17,563 square foot building, a 37,300 square foot building and an 18,747 square foot building on the 8.3 acre Outlot D, Park Center Addition. Pet Food Warehouse will be located in the 18,747 square foot building. The applicant is also requesting approval of a Preliminary Subdivision consisting of one lot on 2.04 acres located at the northwest intersection of Cliff Lake Road and Cliff Road in the SE 1/4 of Section 30. Development in the Park Center Planned Development to date includes Taco Bell, Boston Market Restaurant and Block Buster Video. A TCF Bank was recently approved but has not been constructed. A two phase approach to development is proposed. The first phase will consist of construction of the Pet Food Warehouse building and associated parking, located on the proposed 2.04 acre parcel. The second phase will consist of construction of the remaining 17,563 square foot building, the 37,300 square foot building and the remainder of the required parking on Outlot D. The preliminary grading plan is acceptable. The preliminary storm drainage plan is acceptable. The preliminary landscaping plan is acceptable. Water quality requirements were previously met for this site and the entire Park Center PD with the construction of a detention basin (Pond AP-50) located south of the Senior Housing Site. There are no wetlands on this site. There are 3. no significant trees on site. Staff is recommending a cash park and trail dedication. Applicant: Benson-Orth Associates, Inc. Request: A Final Planned Development to allow construction of an Xpress Lube quick oil change facility. Summary: Benson-Orth Associates, Inc. is requesting approval of a Final Planned Development to construct a 2,100 s.f. quick oil change facility on Lot 6, Block 1, Thomas Lake Center in the Blackhawk Park Planned Development. The site is located on the east side of Thomas Center Drive, just north of the Texaco Station and just west of Thomas Lake Shopping Center (Snyder's Drugstore). Xpress Lube is a subsidiary of Texaco. The site is designated for commercial development (CSC-Community Shopping Center). The proposed Xpress Lube facility will consist of three services bays and an office/waiting area. The proposed 14 parking spaces meets City code requirements. The proposed landscape plan is acceptable and will incorporate existing, fairly mature landscaping along Thomas Center Drive. No tree mitigation plan is needed. There are no wetlands on site. The building exterior will consist of materials to match the Texaco station. The site will require minimal grading for development. The grading, storm drainage, and utility plans are acceptable. This property was platted prior to the effective date of the water quality ordinance and is therefore not subject to on-site ponding or cash dedication requirements. Park dedication has been fulfilled and staff is recommending a cash dedication for trails. Applicant: Hoovestol, Inc. Request: A Conditional Use Permit to allow a truck terminal and secondard sales and service of trucks and trails; and a Conditional Use Permit to allow fuel storage on-site. Summary: Hoovestol, Inc. is requesting approval of two Conditional Use Permits; one to allow a truck terminal and secondary sales and service of trucks and trailers, and the other to allow an underground fuel storage tank on Lots 17- 24, Block 2, Eagandale Center Industrial Park No. 4, located on the east side of Mike Collins Drive, north of Yankee Doodle. The applicant currently operates a truck leasing company located at 2950 Lone Oak Circle and is proposing to relocate the business to this site. Lots 17-19 of this property were formerly occupied by Barrel Reconditioning, Inc. Lots 20-24 have not been developed. The existing building will remain. No additional buildings are proposed. The applicant is proposing to construct a large parking lot to accommodate parking for employees and up to 97 trucks and trailers. Plans submitted indicate the presence of 96 significant trees and 20,800 s.f. of significant woodlands. The proposed development will result in removal of 27 significant trees and 5,700 s.f. of significant woodlands. Because this is less than the allowable 30% removal, mitigation is not required. A retaining wall proposed along the east edge of the parking area will allow most of the significant oak woodlands to be preserved. The City Forester is recommending approval of the Tree Preservation Plan as proposed. There are no wetlands on the property. Staff is recommending minor recommendations to the grading and storm drainage plans. In addition, staff is recommending that the proposed detention basin be modified to increase its depth and wet volume. Approval of this request is subject to conditions that address the engineering and water quality issues. Park dedication has been fulfilled for this property. Staff is recommending a cash dedication for trails. Jam'. W * _ W~ 2~~• III i I i I I I, l o Ulf -I -I I i I I I I aaa a I ~r ' r i 31V7 !!ID r i ~ 1 ~ t 1 \ xr Fib e ~ sE ~p g E 3m vutmrw t r I I, -all at • ` ~t I C I t~ i n I I ` v, I I , x-,15 ~ Ie.,1E I'v 1 .5.5i+i+ j } ~ IxSf } i f I1 tg 1 l 1 Q m nwl 4I ~eT-;o-~o. t~+~ri+ 001- \ \ ~'©-'r ~ 11 _ 7. 11K713 MOM swco w `w.,„' - °ve - - 'JNI `IOlS3A00H a ~ p VNNMVMM oil a' (QIII/ISSY) ,0040f 3 .f. ,lf AV 5 • g i t 15 P; t ~4' v aapf ^ ci .00'00[' 3 p If A 5 PLANNING REPORT DRAFT CITY OF EAGAN REPORT DATE: September 9, 1995 CASE: 11-Cu-20-8-95 APPLICANT: Benson - Orth -Associates HEARING DATE: September 26, 1995 PROPERTY OWNER: Alscor Investors Joint Ventures PREPARED BY: Scott Harlicker REQUEST: Conditional Use Permit to allow a trucking facility LOCATION: 3130 Apollo Road COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: IND - Industrial ZONING: LI - Limited Industrial SUMMARY OF REOUEST Benson - Orth Associates is requesting approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a truck and freight terminal on 3.68 acres currently platted as Lots 19, 20 and 21, Block 5, Eagandale Industrial Center Park #3 located on the west side of Neil Armstrong Boulevard south of Apollo Road in the NW 1/4 of Section 11 AUTHORITY FOR REVIEW City Code Chapter 11, Section 11.40, Subd. 4, C states: The Planning Commission shall recommend a conditional use permit and the Council shall issue such conditional use permits only if it finds that such use at the proposed location: A. Will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, or general welfare of the neighborhood or the City. B. Will be harmonious with the general and applicable specific objectives of the Comprehensive Plan and City Code provisions. C. Will be designed, constructed, operated and maintained so as to be compatible in appearance with the existing or intended character of the general vicinity and will not change the essential character of that area, nor substantially diminish or impair property values within the neighborhood. D. Will be served adequately by essential public facilities and services, including streets, police and fire protection, drainage structures, refuse disposal, water and sewer systems and schools. q. Planning Report - Benison-Orth September 26, 1995 Page 2 E. Will not involve uses, activities, processes, materials, equipment and conditions of operation that will be hazardous or detrimental to any persons, property or the general • welfare because of excessive production of traffic, noise, smoke, fumes, glare or odors. F. Will have vehicular ingress and egress to the property which does not create traffic congestion or interfere with traffic on surrounding public streets. G. Will not result in the destruction, loss or damage of a natural, scenic or historic feature of major importance. BACKGROUND/HISTORY This property was platted between 1967 and 1970 as part of Eagandale Industrial Center Park #3. EXISTING CONDITIONS The site is hilly with a knoll in the center of the property. There is a fairly steep slope toward the front of the site with a change in elevation of about 40 feet from the top of the hill to the road. The easterly two-thirds has a concentration of woodlands with numerous significant trees and several specimen trees. There are no structures on the site. SURROUNDING USES The following existing uses, zoning, and comprehensive guide plan designations surround the subject property: North - vacant; zoned LI;. guided IND South - vacant, Apache Hose & Belting; zoned U; guided IND East - office, warehouse, Patterson Dental Co.; zoned LI; guided IND West - 3M, zoned LI; guided IND EVALUATION OF REQUEST Fritz Companies provides freight forward services and functions as a coordinator for transportation and distribution of imports and exports. The proposed truck and freight terminal is permitted as a conditional use the Limited Industrial Zone. The proposal includes construction of a 20,088 square foot truck and freight terminal with 69 parking spaces. The applicant also lb- Planning Report - Benison-Orth September 26, 1995 Page 3 indicates an area for future expansion to the rear of the proposed structure. Compatibility with Surrounding Area - The proposed use is compatible with the surrounding uses. The surrounding area is industrial with a mix of general warehousing, shipping and office uses. > - The site consists of Lots 19,20, 21, Block 5 Eagandale Industrial Park #3 and is 3.68 acres in size. The site is currently three individual lots and should be combined into one lot as part of this project. Site Plan - The building will be constructed of split faced concrete block and will consist of 12,096 square feet of warehouse and 7,992 square feet of office space. On site parking is conforms with the Code requirements of 65 spaces for this proposal. The parking area is separate from the loading area which should minimize circulation conflicts between trucks and cars. The warehouse and loading docks are located to the rear so that they are not visible from the street. There is an area along the south property line that could be utilized for truck and trailer parking. An enclosed dumpster is proposed adjacent to the loading docks; however, no details of the dumpster enclosure are provided so that it is not possible to determine the compatibility with the proposed structure. City Code requires that the enclosure be constructed of similar material as the building. Landsca2ine Modifications are necessary to the landscape plan. Landscaping across the front, between the parking area and the road, is a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees and shrubs. The office part of the project will have dogwoods planted around the foundation. The loading dock should be sufficiently screened from the road. However, the five hackberry trees planted along the south property line are not sufficient to screen the loading area from the adjacent property. Grading/g/ Wetlands - Minor modifications are necessary to the grading plan. Significant grading will be required to utilize the site. Cuts of up to 35 to 40 feet will be necessary. A retaining wall is proposed for the south property line near the loading area It is not clear what the height of the retaining wall will be. The proposed grading along the east edge of the site indicates slopes steeper than the City's standard of 3:1. There are no wetlands on the site. Storm Draina¢e/Water Quality - Minor modifications are necessary to the storm drainage plan. Planning Report - Benison-Orth September 26, 1995 Page 4 Storm sewer is available along Neil Armstrong Boulevard. The internal storm sewer plan should be revised to show additional storm sewer and catch basins extending to the east parking area along Neil Armstrong Boulevard. There are no water quality issues with this project Utilities - The proposed utility plan is acceptable. Sanitary sewer and water service stubs of sufficient size, depth and capacity were previously stubbed to this site. Access/Street Design - No new streets are proposed. Access to the site will be via a single driveway which will service both the parking area and loading area. Easements/Rights of Way/Permits - There is an existing 10 foot wide drainage and utility easement along Neil Armstrong Boulevard. Tree Preservation - The submitted tree preservation plan indicates the presence of 72 significant trees, 60 oaks ( 9" to 32" diameter, average diameter of 20" the remainder of the trees being a mixture of elm, cottonwood and ash trees (10" to I8" diameters. The development as proposed will result in the removal of 63 significant trees (87.5% of the total). Because of the extreme grade changes on this site, all significant trees within grading limits are proposed to be removed. According to the City of Eagan Tree Preservation Policy, allowable removal for this type of development is 30% of the existing tree resource. On this site the allowable removal calculates to 21 significant trees. If the development proceeds as proposed, the developer would be required to provide mitigation, for tree removal in excess of allowable limits, calculating to 58 Category A trees or 116 Category B trees or 232 Category C trees. This tree loss mitigation would be in addition to any landscape requirement. A mitigation plan will need to be submitted for staff approval. SUMMARY/CONCLUSION The proposed use is compatible with the surrounding light industrial uses. The placement of the building near the front of the site and the associated grading will require the removal of most of the trees on the property. A mitigation plan will need to be submitted. The proposed landscaping along the front should provide sufficient vegetation to screen the loading dock from the road. However, additional screening will be required in order to adequately screen the loading dock from adjacent property. No details or elevations of the retaining wall were provided so it is not possible to assess its design. . ACTION TO BE CONSIDERED To recommend approval or denial'of a conditional usepermit to allow construction of a freight terminal on lots 19,20 and 21 of Eagandale Center Park # 3. la. . Planning Report - Benison•Orth September 26, 1995 Page 5 If approval of this permit is recommended, it shall be subject to the following conditions: Site Plan 1. Details and elevations of the dumpster enclosure are required. They should demonstrate that it is compatible with the principle structure. 2. This permit shall be recorded at Dakota County within 60 days of Council approval. 3. The developer shall combine all three lots into a single tax parcel at Dakota County. Grading 4. The applicant shall revise the grading plan to reflect slopes of 3:1 or gentler, or the construction of additional retaining walls to meet the slope requirements. 5. The applicant shall be responsible for submitting detailed plans and specifications detailing the construction of any retaining walls for the development. Erosion Control 6. The developer will be responsible for maintaining erosion control measures in accordance with the City's Erosion/Sediment Control Standards. Tree Preservation 7. A tree mitigation plan will be required prior to the City releasing the Conditional Use Permit for recording at Dakota County. /3. HEIGHTS 950 1250 > > a: - - - MTERS A 1 ]]tAPP ROAD eoRPDRA , ! TRIAD ~ ~ ; AT 1 < a 17 1 ~ s. PosT ~ Q 90 94 - - - - co . Z6 LOW OAK AD 5 tOK OAK Q0. APOLLO ROAD 1 419 NcE A I , I OtO1M1 OR rLl TAYARIIC PT. 55121 WWWAY PT. wS00A I SPRUCE I• YAIiRt OOOOLE . ROAD 0 51 CAOMOC Ma WE 24 umY PARK o•cE j 55'128 I LOCATION MEMO - city of eagan DATE: October 10, 1995 TO: Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resource Commission FROM: Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation Dorothy Peterson, Superintendent of Recreation SUBJECT: Proposed Policy for Use of Community Rooms Background: At the September 18, 1995 Commission Meeting, the proposed police for use of Community Rooms was referred to the Recreation Sub-Committee. The Sub-Committee met on October 2, 1995 to prepare a recommendation for the Commission. Issues: • Permissibility of beer, wine and alcoholic beverages. • Administrative issues such as waivers, access fee, or prepayment. • Fee rates. In addition the Sub-Committee discussed: • Access to the facility during nonbusiness hours. • Reservations during hours other than 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. • Damage deposits. The Recreation Sub-Committee recommendation is that the Commission approve the attached revised policy for use of the Community Rooms. The recommendations/revisions are: • Beer, wine and alcoholic beverages are not permitted to be served in the Community Room. • Administrative procedures should not be part of the policy. • Specific rates for fees are proposed from among the alternatives previously cited. • Access to the facility during nonbusiness hours will be available through a seasonal building supervisor employed by the Department of Parks and Recreation. • Reservations beyond the parameters of 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. require authorization at the time the reservation is made. • With the exception of City departments, all other categories of users are required to pay a damage deposit. Staff and Sub-Committee members will be present to respond to questions the Commission might have. For Commission Action: It is appropriate that the Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resource Commission review the proposed policy for Community Room use and forward a recommendation for its adoption to the City Council. =5J10-1ansmap l& POLICIES FOR USE OF THE COMMUNITY ROOM Purpose The purpose for establishing policies for the Community Room are to identify and categorize potential users, set use parameters, establish fees, and finalize the procedures for administration of the facility. The policies will enable to City to announce the availability of the Community Room, efficiently proceed to accept reservations, schedule operations, and accept revenue. Policy It is the policy of the City of Eagan that access to the Community Room, acceptance of reservations and levels of fees shall be as outlined for categories of user groups. The Department of Parks and Recreation shall administer the calendar of reservations, accept revenue and schedule operations. Reservations will be accepted on January 2 for the ensuing calendar year. Fees, subject to annual review by the City Council, shall be assessed as outlined for the various categories of users. Non-City groups utilizing the Community Room either during regular Municipal Center office hours or after hours shall be provided access to the facility through city seasonal building supervisor staff. The Community Room, in its basic state shall be an open room. Chairs and tables shall be stacked. Each user group shall set up according to its needs and take down at the end of the event. All garbage/trash shall be placed in the receptacles provided. The serving kitchen adjacent to the Community Room is available for use. Access is to be arranged at the time the reservation is made. • The City does not provide coffee pots, dishes, or tableware. Reservations by a community group shall be limited to once a month, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Requests for more frequent use require review by the City Council. Requests for events beginning prior to 7:00 a.m. or extending beyond 10:00 p.m. require authorization at the time the reservation is made. Smoking is not permissible in the Community Room or in the Municipal Center itself. Beer, wine, and alcoholic beverages are not permitted to be served in the Community Room. Storage space is not available. f?ldpltr.826 /7. COMMUNITY ROOM USER GROUPS 1. City Departments a. Park and Recreation programs b. Other City departments c. Commission sub-committee meetings • Reservations must be scheduled one week in advance. • These activities may not pre-empt a previously scheduled non-City activity. • No fee will be charged. 2. Youth Groups - (Examples) a. Local Boy and Girl Scouts b. Eagan Athletic Association c. Eagan Hockey Association d. Local 4H groups • Reservations must be scheduled a minimum of two weeks in advance. Reservations can be made beginning January 2 and be placed for that calendar year. • No fee will be charged 3. Local Civic Groups (non-profit) - (Examples) a. Rotary Club b. Local Jaycee's c. Local Lions Club • Reservations must be scheduled a-minimum of two weeks in advance. Reservations can be made beginning January 2 and be placed for that calendar year. • No fee will be charged during regular business hours. During non-business hours a fee will be charged at the current approved rate. 4. Local Resident Groups - (Examples) a. Parties, graduations b. Receptions • Reservations must be scheduled a minimum of two weeks in advance. Reservations can be made beginning January 2 and be placed for that calendar year. • Fees will be charged. 5. Non-Resident Groups a. Meetings b. Parties c. Receptions • Reservations must be scheduled a minimum of two weeks in advance. Reservations can be made beginning January 2 and be placed for that calendar year. • Fees will be charged. 6. Profit Making Groups a. Corporation meetings b. .Eagan business meetings • Reservations must be scheduled a minimum of two weeks in advance. Reservations can be made beginning January 2 and be placed for that calendar year. • Fees will be charged. cs4%omroomu.ser ~q. PROPOSED FEES FOR COMMUNITY ROOM CATEGORY FEES 1. City Departments • No charge 2. Youth Group *No charge 3. Local Civic Groups *No fee during regular business hours •Fee charged during non-business hours at $20 per hour 4. Local Resident Groups *Fee charged at $20 per hour 'Daily maximum $200 5. Non-Resident Groups *Fee charged at $50 per hour •Daily maximum $350 6. Profit Making Groups •Fee charged at $50 per hour •Daily maximum at $350 **Categories 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 will be charged $150 damage deposit to be paid at time of reservation. ts4/comroomf.ees d TO: ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION, AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION FROM: RICH BRASCH, WATER RESOURCES COORDINATOR DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION RE: WETLAND REPLACEMENT PLAN FOR EAGAN PROMENADE DATE: OCTOBER 10, 1995 Introduction The proposed Eagan Promenade development project is a 120 acre mixed use development which includes both retail and multi-family residential uses. The Natural Resources Subcommittee reviewed the water quality, wetlands, and tree impact aspects of the proposal at a Subcommittee meeting on May 31, 1995. At its regular June meeting, the Commission also reviewed this proposal as part of the normal development review process. Neither the Sucommittee or Commission perceived problems with the wetland impacts as proposed. However, one of the conditions recommended by the Commission and adopted by the City Council was to have the Commission and water resources staff develop a recommendation regarding approval of the wetland replacement plan after- the 30-day public comment period mandated by the Wetlands Conservation Act (WCA) was over. The 30- day public comment ended officially on September 13, 1995, so staff is bringing this issue back before the Commission. Evaluation There are 5.65 acres of jurisdictional wetlands in 7 basins within the development site. The current development plan would result in the filling of .47 ' acres of wetland, or about 8% of the wetland area within the site. The replacement plan would involve the creation of 1.08 acres of wetland adjacent to existing wetland areas in the north central portion of the site. Thus, the proposed replacement ratio is approximately 2.3:1 which exceeds the 2:1 ratio specified in the WCA. A complete replacement plan was submitted to the City on July 24, 1995. The wetland replacement plan was sent out for public and agency review on July 27, 1995. Comments were requested from the MN Department of Natural Resources, Board of Water and Soil Resources, Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District. In addition, a summary of the plan was published in the Environmental Quality Board Monitor and the Dakota County Tribune. Submittal of comments from the reviewing agencies and the public were requested by September 13, 1995. The Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District submitted the only comments received on the application. SWCD staff stated that "the wetland impacts appear appropriate based on the objectives of the project and the overall quality of the resources impacted" and that the "wetland replacement sites would seemingly provide greater functions and values than those being impacted." Reauest for Commission Action Staff requests that the Commission make a recommendation regarding whether the City Council should approve or deny the proposed wetland replacement plan. Staff recommends the replacement plan be approve . Rich Brasch Water Resources Coordinator cc. Lisa Freese oZo2 . MEMO TO: ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION FROM: GREGG HOVE, SUPERVISOR OF FORESTRY MARK REHDER, FORESTRY INTERN DATE: OCTOBER 4,1995 SUBJECT: BOULEVARD TREE RESEARCH PROJECT Background A boulevard tree research project funded in part by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources was completed this summer by an intern of the Forestry Department. The goal of the project was to gather useful information on boulevard trees. A boulevard tree is defined as any tree that is rooted within fifteen feet of the curb. A total of 15,669 trees were inventoried for the project, and eighteen data fields were taken for each tree. The data fields include information that will be useful to the Forestry, Planning, and Streets Departments. A hand-held computer was leased to assist in collecting the large amounts of data and to save valuable time in down-loading the information. The relative positions of the tree sites were hand plotted on maps supplied by the engineering department. An address and a site number were given to each boulevard tree found on a lot. Also included was information regarding the condition of the tree, maintenance needs, D.B.H. (diameter breast height), curb type, etc. Both tree and non-tree visual site obstructions were also noted. A unique GIS (Geographic Information System) number-was also attributed to each tree. A spacial display of all the trees in the city, including their eighteen data fields, will be available when the maps are digitized and a GIS program is in place. Discussion It has been determined that nearly two-thirds of all boulevard trees belong to three species. These species are spruce (23.7%), ash (22.0%), and maple (15.8%). Information such as this can be used to foresee problems such as losing large amounts of boulevard trees at once to insect or disease epidemics. It is also more visually aesthetic to have a wider range of boulevard trees to admire than a monoculture Nearly half of all boulevard trees fall into the smallest D.B.H. category (1-4 inches). This represents the large amount of planting and landscaping that is taking place in the newly developed residential areas. Couple this information with the fact that nearly one-quarter of all boulevard trees are planted less than 10 ft. from the curb, well within the easement, and the potential for problems in the future can only be increased. Hundreds of trees have been inventoried that will require some type of attention in the near future. Some trees neglected by homeowners hang into the street interfering with vehicular traffic. Circumstances of thick branches that can cause harm to larger vehicles such as trucks and buses have also been identified. There are also many examples of trees covering street signs and even more concerning, stop signs. -Incidences of power line interference and street light obstruction also have been noted. There are even instances of large dead boulevard trees which are considered hazard trees and need to be removed. Future uses A computer program entitled Tree Keeper was purchased to help analyze and track the data. The program will assist in coordinating scheduled and requested work orders, and will keep track of all completed work. A work history of each tree that requires attention can easily be compiled. The theory being that if a tree has obscured a stop sign once, there is a good chance it will do it again. Trees that cause reoccurring problems will be dealt with accordingly. Tree Keeper will also assist in revealing planting needs and priorities to assure species balance and diversity. Lastly, the program will also insure a continuity of information if personnel changes occur. POTENTIAL PRUNE SITES VS. TOTAL NUMBER OF TREES FOR FOUR MAJOR SPECIES IN EAGAN 4 co w W 3 LL 0 y W y 2 Prune sites in 0 ¦ ¦ Total # trees 0 I 0 Spruce Ash Maple Crabapple SPECIES MEMO - city of eagan DATE: October 12, 1995 TO: Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission FROM: Walker Lee Ashley, Jr, Youth Development Coordinator SUBJECT: Youth Development Wescott CommonslQuarry/Duckwood Wescott Commons Since the last Commission meeting, Wescott Service Center is still the central place for youth and meeting within the community. The benefits of having the center are that it offers programs for youth in the community as well as for adults. Some of the programs offered are preschool, young male developmental, young female developmental, tutoring and field trips. Youth development also coordinates a summer basketball league for male and females, ages 6-17. Other youth development programs are offered on a seasonal basis. Quany Park Youth development is now working at expanding its programs to the Quarry neighborhood which is diverse with several different housing complexes. Most of the youth attend Pilot Knob Elementary and Grass Junior High School in West St. Paul, both within School District 197. There has been a collaborative effort between the schools and myself to reach the students and relay information about youth development opportunities. There are many different management companies that manage these complexes. I have met with most of the managers and have received a tremendous amount of support. Since expanding to Quarry Park, youth development has had a youth rally in the community. This rally was an opportunity for youth and adults to come together at a central location and for me to meet with many of the residents in a social situation. There were about 50 youth and adults in attendance who shared ideas, names, interests, concerns and programs of choice. From the rally came a number of ideas that I hope to take advantage of in the near future. A field trip to Skateville is scheduled on October 27, and Halloween Safety Day is scheduled for Quarry on October 31. Once staff is hired, other programs will be implemented . p~J!' Duckwood This is another area of concern for the City and residents who live in this area. Our objective at Duckwood is to include the youth and residents with the programs and field trips we offer at Wescott Commons and Quarry. As we work to build relations and stabilize programs for Quarry we will eventually focus on Duckwood for individual programs. Youth development has existed for 15 months. With the different areas in Eagan that need programming these are the ones that will be my primary focus for the next year. Although youth development is expanding there are still some areas of concern that need to be addressed. One problem is the high turnover of residents in some of the neighborhoods. It is difficult to maintain momentum with the programs when the cliental is constantly changing. It is difficult to keep staff motivated and believing in the philosophy of Parks and Recreation when that happens. Another area of concern is budget; as youth development grows hopefully the budget will as well. Most of the areas youth development works with are low income. The cost as opposed to the revenue are like night and day and funding is a concern. Even though there have been some concerns we have also experienced a tremendous amount of success with some of our programs. The program most successful is our youth basketball league. This is the second year for the league and already we have expanded to five parks compared to 2 parks last year. The league is now offered city wide to all youth 10- 17 years old. The reason is to create unity and expose youth to all other areas of Eagan, other than their own backyards. By bringing youth together from different areas to play on the same team some misconceptions that currently exist in Eagan may be changed. We have accomplished this by opening the league up to the entire City and not just a couple of areas. We hope to continue the league in 1996 and expand even more. cs5/youthdev.wla G~ YJ• _ city of eagan MEMO TO: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION FROM: CITY ADMINISTRATOR HEDGES DATE: OCTOBER 3j 1995 SUBJECT: COMMENDATION On behalf of Mayor Egan and the entire City Council, we want to extend our appreciation to you and your Parks & Recreation and Civic Arena staff for the extra effort and long hours that have made the preview of Holz Farm Park and the opening of our new Civic Arena a great success. Our appreciation also goes to the Advisory Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Commission for their volunteerism and extraordinary commitment to the community. These efforts are being noticed and certainly recognized. The Civic Arena and Holz Farm Park are two examples of why our community Is feeling a stronger "sense of community." Though bricks and mortar are certainly important, the real proof is in the celebration, excitement and use of these facilities as they become a part of our community. Your leadership and guidance to the Advisory.Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Commission as its key staff person, the commitment and direction you provide your staff and the ownership/pride you take In the community as its Director of Parks & Recreation is truly a mark of excellence. Again, speaking on behalf of the Mayor and City Council and the many people they represent as an elected body, a huge thanks to everyone, volunteers and paid staff alike, who have gone the "extra step" to make the past several weeks so memorable and exciting for our community) Ken, most Importantly, a special thanks to Jan and your two sons for sharing your time with the community these past few weeks; we realize the sacrifice required of your family during the Civic Arena construction and Grand Opening as you commited your energy and time to these activities. City Administrator cc: Honorable Mayor & City Councilmembers Jan Vraa TLH/vmd o 7. city of eagan MEP"f' Alb-~ DATE: September 28, 1995 TO: Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation FROM: Jon Oyanagi, Recreation Supervisor SUBJECT: Holz Farm Task Force The following people have expressed an interest in joining the Holz Farm Task Force. With the departure of two members and the medical problems of a third, they would help the numbers and offer insight. Pam Johnson 4775 Dodd Road Eagan, MN 55123 Steve Levin 641 McFaddens Trail Eagan, MN 55123 Vivian Neiger 1541 N. Greenwood Court Eagan, MN 55121 Patti Johnson 4625 Dodd Road Eagan; MN 55123 This October the Task Force will begin the process of analyzing information gathered and formulating a recommendation. These new members would be able to' jump in on the beginning of the process. I recommend approval of these new members by the Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission and City Council. Please find attached an updated listing of all involved with the Task Force. HolzFartn/n.wmema.828 OPEN SPACE REVIEW Recap of October 11 Work Session 1. Delete Parcel 2 2. Holz Farm (1 acre north of Holz Farm for access to Cliff Road) 3. Patrick Eagan Park (Anderson 10 acre - Increase buffer on east side adjacent to Lexington Ave.) 4. Parcel 22A (Keep for linkage) 5. NE corner of North Park (Continued access around wetland) 6. 17A and 16B (Potential to build onto Sky Hill Park for active use) 7. 9C and 90 (Consideration for community center site/Unisys property) NON-REFERENDUM 8. 9C (Potential expansion of Quarry Park) 9." 10A (Access to LeMay Lake) 10."" 1 (Northeast corner of Eagan bordering on Inver Grove Heights) 11. 33 (Expansion of Walden Heights Park through land dedication) (Addition to parkland through land dedication surrounding wetland/marsh area) 12."" 25A (East of Lakeside Park for potential future expansion of Lakeside Park or Highline Trail) 13.** 34 (Property south of Ohmann Park) 14.•• 15 (McCarthy property on western edge of Patrick Eagan Park - connects to municipal center linkage) 15. 11A (Highest Priority for acquisition) NON-REFERENDUM 16. 22B (McCarthy property - linking Barbara Curry Park to Patrick Eagan Park) 17.** Remo Caponi Property (adjacent to Lexington Diffley Athletic site to the west) 18.'" Krisnick property (East of Tony Capons property on the north side of Diffley Road) 19.** Leo Murphy Property (Adjacent to Blackhawk Park - Between Blackhawk Park and Deerwood Drive) `"Denotes sites for Land Acquisition Subcommittee to visit prior to November meeting. MEM^ - city of eagan DATE: OCTOBER 16, 1995 TO: ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION FROM: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION SUBJECT: BLACKHAWK PARK - UPPER PLAYGROUND ISSUE Should the Department remove the old play equipment from Blackhawk Park without replacing it? Background The new playground equipment was installed in Blackhawk Park in 1994, representing the largest play structure/playground in the Department system. Previously, the Department had a smaller wood structure (late 1970's vintage) located on the western edge of the park to satisfy local needs for park and play equipment. This play structure is in very poor condition and beyond any minor repairs. The playground was considered temporary at the time until Blackhawk Park, as a whole, could be developed with this play equipment now in place the issue of removal of the old play structure is again in question. For Discussion It may well be an expectation of the neighborhood that the old playground equipment will be replaced by a new structure. It is logical to assume that once people have something it's always harder to take it away from them. Consequently, there may be an opinion that there will be a new structure to replace the old one, once it's removed. On the other hand, the Commission can take the perspective that the playground equipment that was placed in Blackhawk Park was there temporarily until a formal, and larger structure could be installed in the park as it is today. Given the size' and complexity of the new play equipment in place a second structure would seem redundant and unnecessary, If not a waste of dollars. While it's true that we have two playgrounds in two other neighborhood parks, Bur Oaks and O'Leary, we serve two distinct functions. At the time those neighborhood amenities were constructed it was also determined that dollar amounts invested in each of the play areas would be less than a typical full playground within most other neighborhood parks. Today that dollar expenditure is between $14,000 - $16,000, while a full neighborhood playground such as Wescott Commons was $25,000. For Commission Action Provide direction to the staff relative to the removal of the old playground equipment on the west side of Blackhawk Park and make a determination if that equipment should be replaced or if the playground should be eliminated. c 1bIadth.w.mam Subject to approval MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA SEPTEMBER 18, 1995 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on September 18, 1995 with the following Commission Members present: George Kubik, David Szott, Ken Tyler, Stephen Thompson, Lee Markell, John Rudolph,. Michael Vincent, and Jonathan Widem. Commission Members Cindy Lynch, Sherie Wallace, and Tom Walkington were not present. Staff present included Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation, Dorothy Peterson, Superintendent of Recreation, Paul Olson, Parks Superintendent; C.J. Lilly, Landscape Architect/Parks Planner; Rich Brasch, Water Resources Coordinator; Gregg Hove, Forestry Supervisor; Paula Nowariak, Recreation Supervisor; )on Oyanagi, Recreation Supervisor; and Ruth Ebert, Clerical. AGENDA Director Vraa noted that the minutes of the August 14, 1995 meeting were omitted from the packets and would be deferred to the November agenda. Coordinator Brasch requested that the Eagle Scout presentation be heard as the first item on the agenda. Jonathan Widem moved, George Kubik seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as amended. FISH LAKE WATERSHED SERVICE PROJECT Water Resources Coordinator Brasch introduced this item by explaining that a large part of the Fish Lake Water Improvement Project is water resources education to decrease the pollutants getting into the lake via the 3,000 acre watershed area. He then introduced Eagle Scout candidate Luke Martin of Troop 453 to present his Community Service Project for Fish Lake Watershed. Luke Martin explained that his project involved informing the Fish Lake community about the connection between storm sewer drainage and the quality of the Fish Lake habitat. His project involves the application of stenciled signs next to 800 catch basins within the watershed area, door hangers, and 30 signs to be erected around the boundary which state that You are entering Fish Lake watershed." The visual reminder will help to educate the public. Luke is recruiting help for his project by sending letters to lake front residents and by word of mouth among his troop. He showed a map of the watershed area divided into 21 regions. Member Kubik suggested that Mr. Martin use this opportunity to solicit volunteers to assist. Member Markell suggested viewers interested in assisting Mr. Martin with this project contact Rich Brasch at 681-4300. DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS Items highlighted by Director Vraa included the addition of credit cards as a means of payment for the upcoming winter session after the move back to the municipal building. Staff has received several requests for this service. Also highlighted were the completion of sand volleyball and co-rec tennis leagues and playoffs; landscaping is now being done at Lexington Diffley; a Sentence To Service crew will be helping for two weeks by installing sod and doing clean up; bids are being taken for the Municipal Center plant material; and the Civic Arena is nearing completion. On Sunday; October 1, the community is invited to open skating and the dedication ceremony of the Civic Arena at 2:00 p.m. Public skating begins on Wednesday, October 4. EHS varsity boys and girls will be playing at the arena, in addition to the Minnesota Moose practices. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of September 18, 1995 Page 2 CONSENT AGENDA Member Kubik moved, Michael Vincent seconded with all members voting in favor to approve the consent agenda. Member Markell asked Coordinator Brasch why the buffer region for Kindercare at Galaxie and Cliff roads was only 10 feet. Coordinator Brasch responded that there was no particular reason, except that the development is small (600 to 800 square feet) and it is an extremely small isolated wetland. The developer wanted to grade right up to the wetland, but he was asked to allow at least 10' as a safety buffer in case the silt fence goes down. Markell asked Brasch to suggest that the developer allow another 10' or 20' if it did not adversely affect the site. BENSON-ORTH Ken Vraa indicated this item involved a conditional use permit on existing use property at Eagandale Industrial Center Park #3 with an effect on natural resources. The development proposal is for construction of a 12,000 square foot concrete building for a truck terminal with office space. Staff's concern is for landscaping and removal of trees. Forester Hove presented an aerial photo of the site and a transparency of the city map. The site is fairly steep with a grade change of 40 feet from low to high point. The site is densely wooded, with 72 significant trees including 60 oaks. The back of the site (western 1/3) is an open grassy area. Development plans, as proposed, would result in removal of 63 of 72 significant trees, or 87 1/2%. The tree preservation policy allows for 30%, or 21 trees in this case, so they are well over the tree preservation policy. If development proceeds as proposed, mitigation would be 116 category B trees in addition to the landscaping requirements. Staff met with the developer prior to submittal of their plan to identify the site and suggested options to minimize tree loss. Dan Hamburg, representing the architect, proposed moving the building back 15 feet and raising it 3 feet to save a few trees. Member Markell asked if they have plans for the western portion of the site. Mr. Hamburg responded it is being considered for possible expansion. Markell asked if visibility from Neil Armstrong is needed. Mr. Hamburg indicated that they would like to present a nice face with good landscaping if possible, but they are not as concerned about visibility. Member Vincent asked about the possibility of moving as far as possible to the west. Mr. Hamburg responded that it is a very steep site and that grading would present a problem. Member Vincent stated that he would like to see them preserve more trees. Mr. Hamburg indicated a preliminary plan would be available in a couple of days. Member Widem stated that there was not enough information to make a decision and made a motion to table and further discuss at the Natural Resources subcommittee meeting on October 11, 1995. Member Kubik seconded with all members voting in favor. BLACKHAWK SHELTER BUILDING Director Vraa explained that this item was put on the agenda a month ago anticipating that the next phase of the design work for the Blackhawk Park Shelter Building would be completed. Unfortunately, that has not been done. The architect has been asked to go ahead with the design and development phase and work up some cost estimates. This item will be rescheduled for the October 11 workshop or the October 16 commission meeting. COMMUNITY ROOM USE POLICY Director Vraa indicated that because priorities have changed, it is appropriate for the Commission to review community room policies and priorities. Previously, government functions took priority and the use of the council chambers for any other purpose were discouraged. The community now has more of an opportunity to use this facility. Director Vraa introduced Dorothy Peterson, Superintendent of Recreation, to go over a draft of the new policy. Superintendent Peterson stated the primary issues are to review administration of the community room, which is proposed to be done by parks and recreation, and how operation will occur. It is hoped that janitorial staff would handle operation, but seasonal building employees may need to be hired to handle events held during non-business hours. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of September 18, 1995 Page 3 Superintendent Peterson continued that it would be necessary to project who our potential users would be and suggest some alternatives for fees to be submitted to the City Council for their review. Amy Sievers, summer intern, did preliminary work on this and got some interesting ideas from Burnsville which have been included. Also incorporated are policies in effect for park shelter buildings, as well as some other creative ideas. The Commission was asked to review some aspects of policy including hours that reservations would be accepted (7 a.m. to 10 p.m. basically after 4:30 p.m. would be considered non- business hours). She suggested that the community room in its basic state be an open room with chairs and tables stacked and available for use (users would set up the room and return it to its original state). It was also noted that the adjacent serving kitchen is not suitable for cooking, but rather for serving of previously prepared food. Utensils would not be provided by the City. Superintendent Peterson stated that wine and beer are not permitted in City facilities. A discussion followed regarding proposed policies for the community room relating to alcoholic beverages, the possible need for police presence when alcoholic beverages are served, fee structures and reservation requirements. Member Tyler questioned if there was a liability issue if alcohol was served in a city building. Director Vraa responded that we would have to check with the city attorney on that issue. Member Widem indicated that he liked the idea of public use, but had mixed feelings regarding the fee structure and liquor exception. He moved for approval of the community room -for public use with the understanding that the specifics be tabled for the recreation subcommittee to further discuss. Director Vraa and Superintendent Peterson discussed the timeline and felt there would be adequate time to meet the deadline for inclusion in the winter brochure and make the facility available on January 1, 1996. Member Widem inquired about waivers for use of the community room for families or organizations that cannot afford fees. Director Vraa stated that the City is not looking at the fees as a source of income, but rather to share costs with users. Member Vincent opined that he liked the idea of a one time access fee for user groups. Member Kubik seconded the motion by Widem with all members voting in favor. UNISYS PROPERTY UPDATE Director Vraa indicated that this topic was reviewed at a planning workshop last week. The Unisys property consists of 81 acres which are being sold for future development of the property. Brauer and Associates has been hired to develop some concepts and present options for the site, which would be shared with the City Council at their workshop on Wednesday evening. Director Vraa and Chairman Markell agreed to defer this issue to the recreation subcommittee before the issue is presented to the commission at large. Member Szott agreed that would be appropriate. Chairman Markell suggested that commission members view the property at their convenience. PARKS DEVELOPMENT UPDATE Director Vraa introduced C. J. Lilly, Landscape Architect/Parks Planner. Planner Lilly referred members to a copy of a thank you letter from Betty Rockswold for the City's assistance in placing a memorial bench and plaque at Rahn Park in honor of her daughter Jann Matuseski. Planner Lilly then discussed the municipal center landscaping. The quantity of landscaping is per city code, or 3% of total aggregate of building values for a commercial/industrial site, in this case $138,000. 35 to 40% of the material will be installed during fall of 1995 through spring of 1996. Phase I will begin this fall, which includes the south and west portion and move north and east. Because of the late start, normal grass seed cannot be used. An annual and rye mix with a small amount of bluegrass will be used to hold the soil until spring. Next spring a seeder/slicer will be used to add seed. Irrigation will be in the spring (although possible in November if the weather is good). Bids came in very well, several thousand dollars less than anticipated, which gives a buffer to purchase top soil, etc. for the site. Phase 11 is scheduled for the fall of Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of September 18, 1995 Meeting Page 4 1996 through spring of 1997, with conclusion of landscaping at that site during Phase III in 1997. Plans also include a plaza off the Council chambers in line with the proposed future gateway park. It is hoped that any landscape savings can be applied towards the plaza area. SCHWANZ LAKE WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Coordinator Brash sought a recommendation from the Commission to present to the City Council authorizing the preparation of plans, specifications, and bid documents for the capital improvement phase of the Schwanz Lake Phase II Water Quality Improvement Project to be completed in 1996. Last year, bids for the capital improvement phase came in about 30% over estimates. It was decided at that time to postpone that phase, combine it with Phase II and put both out for bids. The project involves the diversion of relatively clean discharge from Hay Lake into the northern portion of Schwanz Lake to dilute poor quality water coming in from surrounding drainage, as well as excavation of the southern bay of Schwanz Lake to allow better treatment of water. It is estimated that those two projects will cost just over $103,000 and will basically conclude the CIP part of the project. Designs need to be refined and put out for bids. Member Markell noted that it appeared to be a costly project and asked what could be expected for improvement of water quality. Coordinator Brasch stated that along with alum treatment and public education, there should be a 30 to 40% decrease in water column phosphorus, reducing the frequency of severe algae blooms affecting Schwanz Lake. Member Kubik recommended that the City Council authorize the preparation of plans, specifications, and bid documents for the capital improvement phase of the Schwanz Lake Phase II Water Quality Improvement Project to be completed in 1996. Member Vincent seconded with all members voting in favor. SUMMER PROGRAM REPORT Director Vraa introduced Recreation Supervisors Paula Nowariak and Jon Oyanagi to highlight summer activities. Ms. Nowariak began by stating that the 1995 summer programs were successful and the numbers were enormous. Summer in The Park participants were limited to one afternoon and one morning site this year (in the past they were allowed to sign up for 4 or 5 sites). Wagonful O'Fun was not as successful because it was frequently rained out and had to be cancelled. South Oaks, Rahn, and Captain Dodd parks all showed increases in participation. This winter, the recreation subcommittee will discuss converting Summer in The Park into a camp format. Field Trips included a Minneapolis Loons game. Picnic in The Park had over 300 participants, and 148 pizzas were ordered for pizza parties in the park all of which the kids ate in spite of a rainy day. Teen programs were not successful they need to be reviewed to determine how to reach the teen population. August camps proved to be popular, as well as the Safety Camp. T-ball was popular, though numbers were slightly down. Preschool programs were popular as usual. The behavior policy instituted this year was successful with very few problems reported. This can be attributed to the policy that all participants and parents were made aware of. Staff consisted of one program assistant, twenty leaders, and eighteen assistants for a total of 39. They all did a great job and had fun as well. Member Kubik inquired about scholarships. Ms. Nowariak indicated there were twelve requests ($377 total); down from the previous year. Member Vincent asked if there are plans to reevaluate marketing for teen programs. Ms. Nowariak responded that she serves on the youth connection council and would discuss the issue with that group. Transportation could be an issue. Another possibility would be to assemble a core group of kids from various schools to work with Parks and Recreation. Member Kubik asked about plans for Quarry Park. It was noted that Walker Lee Ashley would make a presentation at the October meeting. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of September 18, 1995 Meeting Page 5 Jon Oyanagi began his presentation with a review of the summer adult softball program. Numbers were slightly down from 1994, but there was an increase in co-rec softball. New issues include the addition of Lexington-Diffley site and turning Rahn over to youth with a net gain of a few fields. The League Leadership Committee will meet later this month and discuss adding games to existing leagues, though doing so would take away the opportunity for new teams to get involved. Numbers have plateaued, so there is a need to discuss how many non-residents can be on the roster, and then return to the Commission with that issue. The City contracted with naturalist Sandra Bohn and added nature programs on atypical days and times to see if there were people that were not being reached. Also offered was an evening nature camp and Saturday morning nature story time which did not go over, through they might at a different time and day. New daytime nature camps and Fabulous Fridays (a series of ten nature activities where kids could sign up for all 10 or a few) were all successful. Camp Creative appeals to younger kids, inline skate lessons are still popular, although this fall they were cancelled except for the advanced street style, which is normal for fall. Movies in the Park was disappointing the library has changed its rental policy for 16mm films. They have not replenished their supply and want to preserve what they have for in-house use. Some were able to be shown in June, however. Outdoor basketball and whiffle ball did not go. This fall, the walk and bike clubs are changing format to include six communities south of the river and will be charging a small fee. Member Kubik asked if participants were awarded a badge or certificate for completion of all ten Fabulous Fridays. Mr. Oyanagi answered that they were not, but it was something they could look at. Member Kubik also suggested that the U. S. Fish and Wildlife may be a source for 16mm films. Member Markell said the DNR also has 16mm films available. Commission members commended Jon and Paula for their great programs. RECREATION SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATE Member Rudolph indicated they are working on some park issues, especially community use, and will meet again. Superintendent Peterson indicated that a meeting was scheduled for September 20, but has been cancelled. The two items before them are sponsorship (the City has a policy regarding contributions and donations, but not sponsorship), and athletic field needs (looking at facilities the City has vs. youth and adult program needs and projections for growth). This information will be needed by the commission as they proceed into CIP and bond referendum discussion. NATURAL RESOURCES SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATE Coordinator Brasch indicated that a meeting date needs to be set to review the responses to some of the directives the Natural Resources Committee came up with on the water quality management plan update. Buffer requirements for wetlands and a matrix showing overall progress of the program is being worked on and should be ready for a Tuesday, October 3 meeting at 6 p.m. HOLZ FARM UPDATE Jon Oyanagi advised that the City is having a neighborhood party at Holz Farm on Saturday, September 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All buildings will be open so people can look at the farm, enjoy hay rides, a super jump, storyteller, clowns, dance school performance, face painting, cooking on the wood kitchen stove, and some farm animals provided by Don Holz. Some of the neighbors have been helping to plan and they are excited. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of September 18, 1995 Page 6 ROUND TABLE Director Vraa explained that he had received a call from Mr. Caponi asking if the Commission would like to visit the art park noting it would take at least an hour to see everything. Member Kubik suggested 5:30 p.m. prior to the October meeting. The suggestion was approved by all. Director Vraa called attention to resident Douglas Hultber's letter expressing his concerns and desire for a trailway in his neighborhood. This is typically a CIP item which the Commission may also want to consider. He also referred to Tom Walkington's letter of resignation. Due to the lateness of the year and the timeframe, the Council would probably not fill position the until January. Member Kubik suggested that alternate Cindy Lynch be appointed; all felt that would be appropriate. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to conduct, Michael Vincent moved, John Rudolph seconded with all members voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m. Secretary Date r2/mins.918 Subject to approval MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA August 14, 1995 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission was called to order at 7:00 pm with the following Commission Members present: Cindy Lynch, Sherie Wallace, Stephen Thompson, Lee Markell, George Kubik, Michael Vincent,David Szott, Ken Tyler and Tom Walkington. Commission Members John Rudolph and Jonathan Widem were not present. Staff present included Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation Dorothy Peterson, Superintendent of Recreation; Paul Olson, Parks Superintendent; C.). Lily, Landscape Architect/Parks Planner; Rich Brasch, Water Resources Coordinator; Gregg Hove, Forestry Supervisor and Cherryl Mesko, Secretary. AGENDA Stephen Thompson moved, Michael Vincent seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the agenda as presented. MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 17, 1995 George Kubik moved, Michael Vincent seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the minutes of the July 17, 1995 meeting as presented. DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS Items highlighted included NYSCA coaches training for football and soccer; award of a Community Development Block Grant for the Youth Development Junior Program; fall recreation programming has begun; 25 Eagan seniors are planning to take a trip to Red Wing on August 9; the quarterly City/school meeting to coordinate facility maintenance construction projects will occur on August 9 and staff continues their involvement with ISD 196 family services collaborative. CONSENT AGENDA George Kubik moved, Michael Vincent seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the city Council relative to the following proposal: 1. Pruesse Addition - Gregory L. Pruesse. This development would be subject to a cash parks dedication, cash trails dedication and cash water quality dedication. The grading plan shall be revised to illustrate grading impacts and proposed tree/woodland protection measures. There are no jurisdictional wetlands on site. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS RIVER PARK OFFICE CENTER - BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD Following a brief introduction of this item, Planner Ridley explained this was a request for a Preliminary Planned Development to permit the addition of four new 100 sq. ft. office buildings on 52.5 acres and a Preliminary Subdivision consisting of 6 lots on 52.5 acres located at 3400 Yankee Drive, west of Highway 13 and south of Yankee Doodle Road in the south 1/2 of -section 8 and the north 1/2 of section 17. Ridley continued that BCBS has 550 employees working at the existing River Park office facility. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of August 14, 1995 Meeting Page 2 Because of the proposed building expansion, which exceed 300,000 sq. ft., an Environmental Assessment Worksheet must be prepared for review and approval by the MPCA. An Indirect Source Permit is also required by the MPCA because the total required parking exceeds 200 parking spaces. Until these have been completed, the City cannot give final approval of this subdivision. In conclusion, Ridley noted that the office park has been compatible with this area and will continue to be compatible with this area with the proposed expansion. Supervisor Hove explained that the Tree Preservation Plan is acceptable as presented. The guidelines allow for the two-phase woodland mass removal of 47.5% which will require BCBS to replace a small number of trees as mitigation for exceeding the woodland loss. Water Resources Coordinator Brasch explained that two-thirds of the site (including all improved areas) drains through two storm water basins, first to CP-7 then discharging to CP-8 before discharging into CP-9, a 45 foot deep flooded gravel pit located in Ft. Snelling State Park. This has been recommended for re-assignment to a 'recreational' classification by the APRNRC. The impervious surface coverage on the 34 acres draining to CP-7 will double with the addition of four buildings and expansion of the existing parking lot. The western edge of the site designated as 'proof of parking' for 1400 spaces will result in. a high impervious coverage, if developed. A water quality pond has been provided by the developer to serve this proof of parking area. If the proof of parking area is constructed, the design of this pond must meet NURP standards, Brasch continued. Because of the increase in impervious surface and associated run off to CP-7, staff is recommending that BCBS meet it's water quality treatment requirements with on-site ponding by expanding CP-7, however BCBS prefers to pay a cash water quality dedication so they can maximize the use of the 55 acre site. Sharon Zahar, representing BCBS reiterated they would prefer a cash dedication to allow for the preservation of trees throughout the site that would be impacted with a pond. BCBS will continue to work cooperatively with the City to provide an effective use of this property. Member Markell asked if staff could work with BCBS toward promoting more prairie area. Ms. Zahar explained that BCBS is open to providing a prairie area understanding that they will need to take a proactive approach to educating their employees. In response to a question relative to parking, Ms. Zahar explained that BCBS will provide parking for the development and if future parking is required it will be provided to the north. Member Markell asked if there were any other alternatives to providing ponding on this site. Brasch indicated that there are very few opportunities to pond downstream from this development. The only other option would be to dredge the next pond downstream to allow for a higher capacity which may be cost prohibitive. After further discussion, Lee Markell moved, Stephen Thompson seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendation relative to River Park Office Center: 1. This development is responsible for a cash parks dedication for the 11 acres added to the plat based on the parks dedication fee at the time of the final plat. 2. This development is responsible for a cash trails dedication.for the 11 acres added to the plat based on the trails dedication fee at the time of the final plat. _ 3. This development will be required to plant 5 category B trees as mitigation for significant tree/woodland removal exceeding the 47.5% woodland loss. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of August 14, 1995 Meeting Page 3 4. The development shall meet it's water quality treatment requirements via on-site ponding through the expansion of pond CP-7. 5. The developer shall be required to incorporate on-site ponding to fully meet water quality treatment requirements for the possible parking lot to be built on Parcel 4. The pond size and design should be approved by the water resources coordinator prior to issuance of a grading permit for this portion of the site by the City. 6. If a parking lot is proposed to be developed where it is currently shown as proof of parking, this issue shall come back to the Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission for review. 7. There are no jurisdictional wetlands within the development site which will be filled or drained. EASTER LUTHERAN CHURCH Planner Tyree reminded the Commission that they had previously reviewed this development recommending that it not be approved because of the significant impact to both wetlands and tree preservation. This proposal is for a Comprehensive Guide Plan Amendment changing the existing land use guide plan designation from D-I Single Family to PF-Public Facility and a Preliminary Planned Development/Conditional Use Permit to allow the development of a 79,000 sq. ft. church facility in the northwest corner of Cliff Road and Pilot Knob Road. This development is being proposed in four phases. The original proposal was denied by the City Council due to the intensity of development and associated high impervious surface coverage. Tyree continued that Easter Lutheran Church has reevaluated its development possibilities and have reapplied after revising the plans to minimize the impervious surface coverage. The Natural Resource subcommittee suggested denial of the development proposal based on unacceptablity high impacts to the woodland resource portion due to the construction of detention basins needed to meet water quality treatment requirements for the site. Forestry Supervisor Hove explained that the tree preservation provided is a relatively informal tree inventory. He noted the massing in the southwest corner of the site are primarily conifers. The original tree removal for this site was 70% and the new plan has some grading limits with tree removal shown at 65%. Hove suggested that the developer consider moving the access on Cliff Road approximately 30 feet east to save approximately 25, 28-30' Colorado Spruce trees eliminating the need for the developer to acquire an easement from the neighboring property to the west. Another suggestion was that the developer do root pruning on some of the other spruce, pine and birch trees to allow the developer to transport trees already existing on site, reducing the percentage of removal to approximately 40%. Water Resources Coordinator Brasch stated that the reduction of impervious surface has helped mitigate water quality impacts. When the Natural Resources Subcommittee met regarding this issue they acknowledged that construction of ponding for water quality treatment would exacerbate tree loss within the site and that an even lower density development may be the only way of meeting all natural resources management objectives for the site. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of August 14, 1995 Meeting Page 4 Relative to wetlands, staff has requested that the developer avoid any grading within the wetland fringe in order to provide maximum protection of the shoreline of Thomas Lake, which the developer has agreed to do. Erosion control measures will also be required, Brasch concluded. Member Kubik suggested that there be an agreement by the developer to use no phosphorous fertilizer on the property and that no salt be used that could wash into Thomas Lake. Brasch indicated that the developer is willing to look at whatever they can do to help maintain the integrity of Thomas Lake. Pastor James Borgschatz explained that the church is trying hard to meet the concerns expressed by staff. They will continue working with staff as those issues arise. Pastor Borgschatz reiterated that the plan is for the development of this site to be done in phases. Member Markell asked if the southerly connection with Cliff from the southern parking lot could be eliminated. Pastor Borgschatz explained that that accommodates a second level of parking and would be an elevation issue. Member Thompson suggested moving the entrance from Cliff Road to the east to save some of the trees. Pastor Borgschatz responded that they are working with the curb cuts as they currently exist; if the County would approve the relocation, the church would have no problem moving that access. Member Vincent moved and Member Wallace seconded the motion to approve the development based on the 8 recommendations made by staff. Member Kubik reiterated his concern about the road alignment, parking and unresolved tree issues. Member Markell agreed stating the level of tree removal and impervious surface far exceeds what the Commission typically wants to see. Vincent suggested that staff should follow through with the guidelines that exist for these specific issues. Kubik expressed concern for placing additional burdens on staff when it was the Commission's responsibility to review these issues and make recommendations. The motion was called with the following voting Aye: Michael Vincent and Sherie Wallace. Those voting Nay included Cindy Lynch, Lee Markell, George Kubik, David Szott, Ken Tyler, Tom Walkington and Stephen Thompson. The motion did not pass. George Kubik moved, David Szott seconded a motion that this proposal be considered for denial based on unresolved issues including alignment of entrance/exit roads, impervious surfaces on the site and the exceedingly high degree of tree removal on the site. Those voting Aye included Cindy Lynch, Lee Markell, George Kubik, David Szott, Ken Tyler, Tom Walkington, Stephen Thompson-and Sherie Wallace. Michael Vincent voted Nay. LEGISLATIVE MANDATE FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT PROCESS Director Vraa explained that a new legislative mandate requires that developments be reviewed by government agencies 60 days after receipt of a completed plat application. This time frame will result in some tight time frames to allow for staff review, APRNRC review and Planning Commission review prior to City'Council review and recommendation. Member Markell opined that it would be important to hold fast on establishing the completeness of submittals. Member Wallace asked if the development process is clear to the novice developer. Director Vraa responded that the information is overwhelming to the novice, however the information and time frames are very clear. Member Kubik suggested that this may be a good sub-committee discussion item. Member Thompson expressed his concern for this mandate that forces review of developments in such a short time frame. Director Vraa explained that most municipalities spoke against this mandate, however they are working on ways to integrate this additional change into existing processes. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of August 14, 1995 Meeting Page 5 HOLZ FARM UPDATE Recreation Supervisor Oyanagi explained that the Holz Farm Task Force was established at the May 15 City Council meeting with the group meeting the third Wednesday of each month since May 24. The Task Force has explored the Family History, Area History and Building Condition of Holz Farm during that period. At the July meeting the Family History subcommittee recommended that the era for programming all efforts be focused on 1941. The farm became most productive in the 1940's and this period also allows programming efforts into the era before modernization to contrast the changes. It was felt that this could fill a niche not yet addressed by other historic facilities. In September the Task Force is holding a 'block party" Oyanagi continued. This event is hoped to be a goodwill gesture to include the neighborhood surrounding the Holz Farm on planning the utilization of the site. An inspection of the farm was completed by Bill Bruestle, Senior Inspector who provided an extensive list of repairs needed to meet codes for public use. A professional structural and mechanical evaluation has been suggested to provide information necessary to make informed decisions concerning use of the farm. Oyanagi concluded by asking the Commission's direction/opinions relative to options for the farm, recommendation to proceed with a structural analysis of the buildings and the appointment of Debbie Issacson and Ann McCarthy to the Task Force. George Kubik moved, Sherie Wallace seconded with all members voting in favor to express their support for the direction the Task Force has taken and continues to take relative to Holz Farm, that the Task Force should proceed with a structural analysis of the buildings at Holz Farm, (not to exceed $6,000) and that Debbie Issacson and Ann McCarthy be appointed to the Holz Farm Task Force. ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY (NW OF NORTH PARK) Director Vraa explained that the City has the option of purchasing an easement on the northwest corner of North Park for $21,000 plus one lot for $10,000 or purchasing 4 lots on the northwest edge of North Park for $40,000. Staff opined that acquiring the four lots would provide more flexibility in providing a trail around the wetland within North Park. After a brief discussion, Stephen Thompson moved, Michael Vincent seconded with all members voting in favor to direct staff to proceed with negotiations to acquire four lots on the northwest comer of North Park which shall be funded by the Park Site Fund. PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALK STUDY - AMY SIEVERS Superintendent Peterson explained that part of each intern's responsibility within the department is to have a research project that they present to the Advisory Commission prior to their completing their internship with the City of Eagan. Peterson introduced Amy Sievers who has completed a pedestrian crosswalk study for presentation to the Commission. Ms. Sievers indicated that she has been interning since June and was assigned this research project based on a concern brought before the Advisory Commission relative to the Wedgewood neighborhood and their request for a pedestrian crosswalk on Wilderness run Road at Wedgewood Road. The study was conducted to find out the number of pedestrians crossing into parks compared to vehicle traffic. Eight sites were chosen for the survey including neighborhood collector streets and community collector streets. Advisory Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission Minutes of August 14, 1995 Meeting Page 6 Site 1, Sievers continued, had pedestrians expressing concern for the curve in the road from the east. She did note that her observations confirmed the difficulty of some to make that crossing. At Site 6 the concern was for the speed of vehicles on the road and the many children that make this crossing from west to east. Site 2 showed problems during the athletic season due to vehicles parking on the road, thus restricting the view by pedestrians of on-coming traffic. She suggested that site lines need to be looked at from a pedestrian standpoint in some of these locations. This study, Sievers stated, is just a beginning and will offer a base line for the Commission in looking at requests for pedestrian crosswalks. Member Kubik asked if vehicle speed was a significant issue to pedestrians. Sievers responded that to many this was a significant issue coupled with the inability of younger pedestrians to cross the intersections in a timely fashion to allow vehicles to see them. Member Kubik commented on the excellent report and thanked Amy for providing such valuable information for the City in their efforts to wrestle with this issue. PARK DEVELOPMENT UPDATE Director Vraa explained that Holz Farm playground and Red Pine Elementary playground are under construction. Staff continues planning for the Blackhawk Park shelter building which was to have been completed in 1995. The shelter building is being planned to accommodate 200 people with the expectation that it will be completed in 1996. Director Vraa explained that a complaint had been received from a resident relative to the mowing of Thomas Lake Park. This resident had indicated his concern that the center islands within the park are not maintained as well as they should be and also opined that a larger portion of Thomas Lake Park should be mowed to promote the appearance of the park. Director Vraa explained that a large portion of the park is maintained in a native prairie state. Member Kubik commented that he had visited Thomas Lake Park and talked to people who were at the park, none of which had complaints relative to the maintenance of the park.. Member Markell stated he had noticed several weeds between the curb and bituminous surface. Markell suggested that perhaps the weeds could be removed and the islands mowed one foot from the edge to present a cleaner look. Member Wallace also noted that signage is a critical part of this equation. Residents need to be aware that Thomas Lake is being preserved as a native prairie and as such, does not have a manicured look. Kubik reiterated that most people that he has talked to like the 'wildness' of the park and opined that if the native prairie restoration were explained to residents, they would understand and support it. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to conduct, Michael Vincent moved, George Kubik seconded with all members voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:06 pm. Secretary Date - city of eagan MEMO DATE: OCTOBER 4, 1995 TO: ADVISORY PARKS RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION FROM: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION SUBJECT: WORKSHOP SESSION - OCTOBER 1.1, 1995 This is a reminder that the Advisory Commission will continue their CIP workshop session on Wednesday, October 11 at 6:00 p.m. in the Police conference room. As you can see by the agenda, several items have been added prior to the CIP review that requires Commission review and comment. As a follow-up from the September 18 Commission meeting, the Natural Resources Subcommittee scheduled an October 3 review of the Benson-Orth development for a recommendation to the Advisory Commission at the October 16 meeting. This item needs to be reviewed by the Commission so that a recommendation can be discussed. It would also be appropriate for the Commission to consider which member(s) should be appointed to replace Tom Walkington on the Natural Resources Subcommittee and to schedule a future sub-committee meeting relative to several outstanding issues. Enclosed you will find a copy of an analysis completed by Effective Golf Course Systems, Inc. relative to the possible acquisition of Carriage Hills Golf Course. Please review the first several pages which should provide an overview for discussion. The Council has asked for the Commission's input relative to the desirability and need for a municipal golf course in the City. City Administrator Hedges will be present to review some issues pertaining to the Caponi Art Park and the potential bond referendum. This will then lead us into the continued review of the CIP. Although this appears to be a fairly heavy agenda for a work session, we should be able to address all items and conclude the meeting in a timely fashion if we stay on task. These are important issues for the Commission to review and we hope everyone will be able to attend. Please call Cherryl at 681-4661 only if you are unable to attend. Otherwise we'll look forward to seeing everyone on the 11th with their sleeves rolled up ready to tackle the challenge. ADVISORY PARKS, RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION WORKSHOP SESSION OCTOBER 11, 1995 6:00 PM POLICE CONFERENCE ROOM AGENDA 1. VISITORS TO BE HEARD II. BENSON-ORTH DEVELOPMENT REVIEW III. SET DATE FOR NATURAL RESOURCES SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING IV. REVIEW CARRIAGE HILLS GOLF COURSE ACQUISITION V. CAPONI ART PARK VI. CIP REVIEW VII. OTHER BUSINESS VIII. ADJOURNMENT 1 ANALYSIS OF KEY ISSUES IMPORTANT TO THE POSSIBLE ACQUISITION OF CARRIAGE HILLS GOLF COURSE BY THE CITY OF EAGAN, MINNESOTA BY. EFFECTIVE GOLF COURSE SYSTEMS, INC 6410 MORGAN AVE.S RICHFIELD, MN 55423, SEPTEMBER, 1995 TELEPHONE: (612) 926-5862 FAX: (612) 926-5862 1 ANALYSIS OF KEY ISSUES IMPORTANT TO POSSIBLE ACQUISITION OF CARRIAGE HIIIS COUNTRY CLUB BY THE CITY OF EAGAN, MINNESOTA Effective Golf Course Systems, Inc. September 1995 Introduction The City of Eagan, through its City Administrator and Director of Parks and Recreation, has requested of Effective Golf Course Systems (EGCS) an analysis of key issues important to the city's consideration of acquiring and operating the present Carriage Hills Country Club as a municipal golf course. Carriage Hills Country Club is presently operated by its owner, William Smith, as a daily fee regulation 18-hole course. Mr. Smith desires to sell the course complete with all land, buildings, maintenance equipment and golf cars at the close of the 1995 golfing season or shortly thereafter in late autumn. EGCS's analysis of key issues follows below. Municipal versus private ownership and operation of golf courses Questions have been raised about the appropriateness of a municipality (as opposed to private enterprise) becoming involved in the development and operation of a golf course. Municipal golf courses, nationally as well as locally, are considered to be a legitimate part of the mix of services, programs and facilities offered by a municipality through its Parks and Recreation Department. Over 2,400 municipal courses exist throughout the United States. They are acknowledged as such by the professional fields of recreation and leisure and written about frequently in the national Journal of Parks and Recreation and the United States Golf Association's GolfJournal. Twenty-five municipal courses are to be found throughout the Twin Cities Metro Area - in the cities of Minneapolis, St. Paul, Cottage Grove, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Edina, Golden Valley, Inver Grove Heights, Mounds View, Richfield, Roseville, and are under consideration in other areas. EGCS considers it entirely appropriate for the city to pursue city ownership and operation of a municipal course. Reasons for municipal ownership and operation include: 1 A municipal golf course would be the best assurance of the preservation of green space in the community. 2 With public accountability, a course owned and operated by the city may be the surest mechanism for ensuring that the land will continue to be used for recreational purposes for its residents. If owned as private enterprise, the owners could decide to sell out or convert the land for non-golf, non-recreational uses. 2 3 A golf course could be a winner, monetarily, for other municipal recreational facilities and programs. This can happen, however, only if the city first ensures that it is taking care of the course's needs for quality upkeep and any upgrading that is needed. The city should not assume, however, that there will be any guarantee of net income from the operation of the'golf course for use elsewhere in the city. 4 The clubhouse and the course offer possibilities of off-season recreational opportunities through the Parks and Recreation Department such as hiking, jogging, cross-country skiing, and use of the clubhouse for community meetings and functions. 5 Private enterprise golf courses do not function beost assurance mofowest possible ogolf amenity. They_exist to make a profit. fees would rest with a non-profit entity such as a municipality. 6 Being directly responsible to the citizens, city ownership and operation offers the greatest likelihood that the golf course will be responsive to its citizen golfers and operate in their best interests. Reasons for private ownership and operation include: 1 The argument that a municipality should engage only in those activities and functions which private enterprise cannot provide or that it is inappropriate for private enterprise to provide. 2 There is no guarantee that a municipal golf course will make a profit or break even. If it fails to do so, then it becomes the obligation of the city to find the money to make up the shortfall. Losses if owned and operated privately, do not become the obligation of the city or its residents. The question of whether a privately owned public course for public play in Eagan will remain affordable and in place is a real concern, given present land values and economic trends. A community with rapid growth and escalating land values must set aside open space early before "build out" or it will not be able to afford such an endeavor later. The cities of Bloomington, Minnetonka/Hopkins and Eden Prairie have either land values that are too high or no remaining open space for golf course development. All of these cities would like to have a regulation length municipal golf course. Economic viability of municipal golf courses The question of the purchase of Carriage Hills Country Club from an economic standpoint must be coupled with the long range desires and goals of the City of Eagan. The short term situation will likely experience a shortfall in revenues to the expenses of operation and debt retirement. This is not unusual for public and particularly municipal golf courses 3 The break-even point in terms of cumulative net income may be seven to ten years out, or longer, but often net income and cumulative net income over the last 10 years of a 20- year revenue bond can look very good, eclipsing early deficits. That is why 20-year economic proformas are developed and they become the basis for decision-making regarding the issuance of revenue bonds. Fortunately, debt retirement on revenue bonds can often be structured to allow for lower revenue in the earlier years and greater revenue in later years as the number of rounds played builds to a maximum level. The PROS and CONS of city ownership and operation of a golf course are outlined below. PROS CONS As the City of Eagan builds out to its Alternate, non-golf use of the land occupied projected population of 80,000, the by Carriage Hills Country Club will increase retention of open space becomes the City's tax base even though additional increasingly difficult- This project would city services will be needed. ensure the preservation of open space. The city will have to assume certain financial This particular piece of open space should risks associated with the purchase and not become a tax burden because the cost improvement of the facility should it not of operating it and debt retirement should reach its desired levels of revenue. be covered by users. The city will have to insure itself against the The facility can be a multi-use park the operational risks associated with the facility including winter use activities. game of golf. This is not unlike other special The clubhouse might even be utilized use facilities such as swimming pools and for community meetings and programs. or ice arenas. The amenity of a golf course for youth Additional city labor contracts may have to activities, working adults and retired be negotiated, although such associated seniors cannot be overstated. This will costs should be borne by the facility. become an attraction to future residents and it will increase valuation of adjoining City staff and administrators will need to property. allocate time to decision-making and policy establishment commensurate with The Eagan Park & Recreation Department running a busy public use facility. will be able to offer a more diversified program of recreational activities. Golfing venues available to Eagan for operation as a municipal facility EGCS met with Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Eagan to explore alternate sites for a possible municipal golf course in the city. The map of the city produced by the Parks and Recreation Department showing existing parks and other land within the city was used as the basis for this analysis. Approximately 120 to 130 acres are needed to build an 18-hole regulation length golf course and 150 or more acres are preferred to accommodate clubhouse, parking, and driving range. - 'I 4 None of the city parks have the acreage needed to build a golf course. Other pieces of land that might be large enough are already committed to other uses. This includes land used by West Publishing, Eagandale which is platted for development, land owned by Opus, another property owned by Unisys, and land being developed by Rottlund. Lebanon Hills Regional Park is not available for development of a municipal golf facility. Thus, Carriage Hills Country Club is the only viable site in the City of Eagan for municipal ownership and operation of a golf course. Elements essential to a quality municipal golf facility Physical access There are two dimensions to physical access: 1) access via major arteries from various areas of a metropolitan area to the community in which the course is located, and 2) specific access to the clubhouse and parking lot once in the general vicinity. Patronage by golfers outside the local community will depend more on the time it takes from their point of origin than the number of miles. If a course is of good quality and it is possible to get a tee time, golf aficionados will drive 20-30 minutes to play. If the arterial network in a metro area is good, that will place thousands of golfers within the potential market. Once the destination community is reached, it is helpful if the routing to the course is relatively simple, requiring minimum changes in direction and utilizing major boulevards or streets. Clear directional signage 1-2 intersections before reaching the course will be important. The last thing a golf course wants is the golfer frustrated by making wrong turns and possibly late for a tee time. First impressions count. Once golfers have played the course for a few times, they are not likely to become lost on return visits to the course. Upon reaching the course, an inviting entrance helps to create a positive image. Simple routing facilitates effective promotional campaigns through advertisements in local and metropolitan newspapers, through regional and/or state golf journals, and illustrated golf directories and maps. Parking facilities In planning for adequate parking, six groups must be taken into account: golfers who have arrived but who must wait for their tee time, golfers out on the course, golfers who have completed their round but haven't left the facility, golfers who are there only to practice or take a lesson (assuming such facilities exist), non-golfers at the clubhouse for a meeting or special event in the clubhouse., and employees. This can add up to a large number of parking stalls. Maximum space should be made available adjacent to the clubhouse, and if that is not sufficient, then an auxiliary parking lot should be established nearby to handle overflow. If possible, the parking lot should be blacktopped with parking stalls clearly painted on the surface. Curbing is helpful, but not essential. Lighting in the parking lot is desirable for safety and security at evening events and for golfers who leave after dark. One of the most common faults with parking lots at golf courses is their inability to handle maximum demand. Where this occurs, major frustration among patrons can be expected. Space and 5 routing for a drive-up drop-off for clubs and golfers near the golf shop should be provided. Also, space should be blocked out for those entering the clubhouse for non- golfing events. Clubhouse (condition and functionality) The infrastructure of the clubhouse must be sound - heating, air conditioning, other utilities, restrooms and small locker rooms, food and beverage service facilities, roofing, siding etc. The restroom and locker room areas should be directly accessible from both outside and inside the clubhouse. The clubhouse must be attractive - inside and out - free of needed repairs and refinishing. It must be appealing in appearance so that golfers and visitors want to come to the clubhouse for golf or other activities and programs. As much as possible, the inside should be light and airy, with vistas to the course outside. The appointments, primarily furniture, lighting an carpeting should be in top condition, or replaced if not. The clubhouse must be efficient and effective in its use of space. Its configuration must result in the best use of space for the purposes for which it is intended. It should enhance the flow of activity associated with golf and other activities at the clubhouse. As in all design decisions, form must follow function. Deficiencies may necessitate remodeling in order to achieve these objectives. Safety and security must be assured, being up to code with sprinklers and fire alarm systems. All applicable code requirements must be met. Course quality and-features 1. Course 2layabflity The course must be playable across all skill levels, both for men and women. Any course, to be successful, needs to be seen as fair to its golfers. All golfers need to enjoy a measure of success or they will not return to play again. The course should have a variety of tees appropriate to the varying skill levels of golfers. Ideally, tees should be located providing course length varying from 5200 to 6600 yards. Golfers who do not hit the ball very far will have to be able to negotiate holes that call for carry over an obstacle such as water. Courses that have numerous sand bunkers that are large, deep and dose to the fairway or green pose a challenge that will frustrate many golfers. Holes that have substantial changes in elevation from tee to green will be disliked by senior golfers to the point that, playing the course once, likely will not return to play the course again. Seniors consume many of the tee times during the week, especially during the morning. They fill the schedule. This sector of the golf market is essential to the success of most public golf facilities. A course must be eminently playable by seniors. If anything, a course is better to be seen as too easy to golfers than too difficult. Golfers will return again and again if they are treated well by the course, and treated well by those who operate the course. 2 Quali eens The greens are the "heart" of any golf course. For all but the high handicapper, they come into play on 60-75 percent of his/her strokes - the approach shot and (usually) two putts. They should be large enough to accommodate the amount of play intended so as not to become worn out. Greens are very sensitive to weather conditions of heat and humidity and must be cared for regularly. A green should be designed to hold the golf shot for a given length approach shot. Examples of this are greens which are tilted to face an incoming high or low trajectory shot. Greens which are mounded or which pitch away from an incoming shot are simply not fair. The maintenance practices of the superintendent and maintenance crew are very important for the health of the grass. Greens can be dead in a matter of days if they are not monitored during periods of high humidity and temperature. Aeration of greens to reduce compaction is also necessary and should be performed once or twice each year. 3 Quality tees Quality tees are probably second in importance to quality greens. The feeling about hitting a good tee shot has greater psychological impact on the golfer than any subsequent shot on the hole. Golfers expect tees with good, consistent growth of turf. They want tees which are smooth - neither bumpy nor undulating. They want tees which do not slope side-to-side, or front to back. The teeing ground need only slope 1-2 percent in order to drain properly. By far the most prevalent problem with public course teeing areas is that they are too small. Present levels of play demand large tees so that the location of the tee markers can be rotated on a daily basis to prevent overuse in apy area. 4 Quality fairways - Fairways at most public courses in Minnesota consist of Kentucky Bluegrass. This produces a healthy stand of grass if irrigated, aerated, and fertilized on a timely basis. If these practices are not adhered to, fairways will become weed infested, spotty, burnt out or even dead. What the golfer wants is a consistent stand of grass whereby the ball sits up for a good shot from the fairway. Frequency of mowing is important to all areas (greens daily, tees 2-3 times per week, and fairways twice weekly). 7 A t pologyof golfers • Its relationsbip to pre erence for go{Ftng venues and course playabibtx In order to project a market for golf at a proposed site, it is important to understand various types of golfers and their preferences for features and quality in a golf course. The nature of golfers varies widely, from young golfers to old, men and women, from novice to expert, from the laid back and casual, to the social, to the highly competitive. What type of course these golfers prefer to play, or are even willing to play varies widely. The character or nature of a course can have a major effect on the nature and size of its clientele. Within certain limits, it is possible to predict what types of golfers prefer or are willing to play which types of courses. The novice or beginning gofer The novice or beginning golfer, unless a member of an upscale private club, does not have high expectations about the quality of the course on which to play or take lessons. If anything, this golfer might feel uncomfortable on a meticulously groomed course where the caliber of play is high and the pressure of keeping up with the group in front and not slowing down the group following is strongly felt. He (or she) would prefer to start out on a course where the expectations of play are not particularly high, where he would not embarrass himself. A course of more modest proportions would be well-suited to this golfer. The novice golfer will not travel far in order to play golf and will not likely pay a high green fee to play. The social golfer or familvgolfgr The social golfer is looking for an enjoyable time spent with friends and acquaintances. Although the quality of the golfing facility is not unimportant to him or her, it is less important than it would be to the expert or low handicapper who might expect high quality in a golf course. The family golfer is looking for an opportunity to play with other family members, with wives, husbands, sons, or daughters. They are looking for an unharried outing, and the opportunity to get together for golf is more important than the quality of the golf course. The middle handicappr The middle handicapper's golfing abilities are of sufficient magnitude to expect a certain standard of quality in a golf course. They may play a course of modest quality, but when presented with the possibility of playing a better course will usually choose that course. This golfer is more willing than the novice golfer to travel further and pay more for a higher quality golfing experience. The low handicapper The low handicapper plays golf at a level that expects a quality golfing experience. This golfer has minimum, although unstated, expectations of a golf course - adequate length from the back tees (6600 to 7000 yards for men), a challenging, though fair, test of one's golfing abilities, the presence of hazards such as sand bunkers, water hazards, challenging mowing practices, and well-groomed tees, fairways, and greens. This golfer will not play a course of marginal quality at any price, even if the course is only minutes away. He or 8 she, if necessary, will travel up to an hour or more to play a quality course, and pay upwards of 50% more than the fee for a course of modest quality. the senior men's go fer One of two special subcategories of golfer is the senior men's golfer. It is worthy of special note because these golfers can and do make significant contributions to the number of rounds of golf played at many courses. Those who are retired can play golf anytime, and often do so when the course is not likely to be busy - during mornings on weekdays. These golfers may play two or more times a week and log 50 or more rounds of golf each season. As retirees, they are usually on fixed incomes, and discounted senior rates are often available. Seniors enjoy being a part of senior leagues for social reasons and low-level competition. Women golfers The second subcategory of golfer worthy of special note and the one experiencing the greatest growth in golf over the past decade has been women golfers. Many public golf courses could not survive financially were it not for the growth of women's golf. Braemar Golf Course, the municipal course in Edina has 16 women's leagues which play weekly. There are two distinct groups of women golfers: 1) those who are not employed (usually seniors or middle age) and who play in leagues during weekday mornings and 2) those who are employed (often younger) and play on weekdays in late afternoon or early. evenings. Women often play on weekends as well. Implications for play i Playability is the capacity of the course to offer a fair and reasonable test of one's golfing abilities across all skill levels of golf. Playability is not particularly a factor for low handicappers. These golfers can cope with nearly any condition or situation on a course, unless a condition represents an unreasonable or virtually impossible playing condition. Playability becomes an important condition for middle handicappers, or average golfers. The playability of a course can cause one's golf score to be substantially higher than would be expected thus leading to frustration, and worse, an unwillingness to play the course again. If playability is important for middle handicappers, it may be crucial for higher handicap golfers, especially seniors and women for whom fairness is of utmosfimportance. They are more likely to be looking for enjoyment than challenge. No one likes to feel that the course "beat up" on them. Course management should want all golfers to be able to leave the course feeling good about. their experience that day. The bulk of play on nearly any golfing facility, perhaps 90 percent, is comprised of middle and high handicappers, the presence of seniors, women, juniors, even families. Success or failure will depend on the capacity of the course to appeal to all of these sectors in building and sustaining a repeating clientele. 9 Ekw&& factors A number of factors affect playability. They are described herewith and became the basis for an on-site review by EGCS. Tees 1 Is the tee of adequate size to allow markers to be set at various positions so that the turf does not wear out and so that the golfer does not feel "crowded" into a short or narrow position? 2 Aside from modest slope for drainage, is the tee level? Does it have any hogbacks or depressions that cause the golfer difficulty in taking a good address or set-up to hit the ball? Fairways 1 Is the fairway landing area observable from the tee, avoiding blind tee shots? 2 Is the mowing pattern between fairway and rough well-defined to enable the golfer to see where to hit the next shot? 3 What is the terrain or topography like in the fairway and typical landing areas? Is it downhill, sidehill, uphill creating unfairly difficult shots? Is the fairway relatively smooth, or plagued with small rolls creating difficult lies? 4 Are there any out-of-bounds along the fairway that are close enough to be unfairly punitive? 5 Is the fairway turf in good condition, with evenness and consistency, enabling the ball to "sit up" for crisp shots with fairway woods or irons? 6 Is the fairway crowned along its centerline causing tee shots to bound off the fairway right and left? The green as a target for approach shots 1 Is the size of the green adequate, given the length of the approach shot to the green or the presence of an elevated green? 2 Is the texture of the green such that it will reasonably "hold" a good approach shot? Is the contour of the green crowned (convex, like an inverted saucer) thus reducing the effective size of the green? Is the green slanted to absorb the approach shot, or does it break away from the approach shot causing the ball to "run"? _ 3 What is the topography around the green? Does it drop off down a slope causing the ball to "run" and making the recovery shot difficult? The green as a putting surface 1 Does the size or shape of the green pose any unusual and unfair difficulties in putting? 2 Does the contour of the green pose any unusual and unfair conditions in putting? 3 Are the turf conditions good for putting? Water hazards 1 Are water hazards along the fairway or at the green unfairly punitive? 10 2 Are "crossing water hazards" fair across all skill levels of golfers? Are there any such hazards that seniors, women, and young juniors might find difficult if not impossible to cross? What "relief" is available to these golfers to enable them to continue to advance to the green? T 1 Are there trees near the tees, along the fairway landing areas, or at the greens that are unfairly punitive? Topography/general 1 Are there changes in elevation a) from tee to fairway, b) along the fairway, c) from fairway to the green, or d) from green to the next tee that may cause severe physical stress to the golfer - particularly the senior golfer? 2 Can the conditions in 1 be ameliorated by the reasonable, safe use of a golf car? Risk factors 1 Are there situations where errant tee shots - hooks or slices - pose a threat to golfers on adjacent holes? 2 Are there tees which are too close to previous greens whereby an approach shot to the previous green could easily hit someone on the tee? 3 Are there situations where the tee shot or following shots are hit to a blind area that might hit golfers in the group ahead? 4 Are there situations where a hooked or sliced shot may reach a roadway or walking path for non-golfers and hit a car or injure a person? 5 Are there situations where a shot could hit a home, an apartment, or condominium that could cause property damage or personal injury 6 Are there situations where the terrain or topography is so severe that it could pose a danger to a golf car and its occupants? 7 Are patrons in the vicinity of the clubhouse, parking lot, or practice area at risk from errant shots from holes nearby? Maintenance acilities and equipment C The size and scope of a maintenance facility will vary from course to course, but it should provide standard minimum features. In size, it should be approximately 50' by 100' to accommodate what it needs to do. The following represent essential features. • Restroom and shower facilities • A heated office for the maintenance superintendent • A heated area for working on maintenance equipment • Cold storage for maintenance equipment • OSHA approved safe storage are for chemicals • Minimum fire protection for safety purposes • Chemical waste recovery system and depository • A grinder • Asphalt or concrete floor (concrete preferred) 11 • A hoist • A pressure sprayer washing machine Golf and lesson Ary=ams: Driving range/bra ice center The importance of a teaching program at a public golf course cannot be overstated. This is a major selling point to the facility. Lesson programs teach the game to beginners, invite new customers, sells merchandise, and increases the enjoyment and appreciation of the game to all levels of players. Every community should have the availability of such a program. Ideally, a course will have a driving range/teaching area included with the facility. A driving range is usually a profit center for most public facilities. Included with such facilities is a putting green and a bunker for learning and practicing sand bunker shots. The learning center/practice area creates synergistic opportunities for the facility: 1) learn how to hit shots; 2) practice. what you've learned; and 3) apply what you have learned and practiced to playing the course. Alternate uses in the off-season Many private and privately owned public play courses in Minnesota close up completely in the off season, locking the doors to the clubhouse and not reopening until the following April. A municipal golf course is a part of the program and facility offerings of the parks and recreation department. This department is constantly thinking of ways to fulfill the recreative interests of the citizens of its community. A municipal golf course and its facilities offer that opportunity. Marked cross-country ski trails can be established on the course, with a designated part of the clubhouse serving as a "warming hut." Municipal golf clubhouses can provide meeting space for civic clubs and organizations, as well as for receptions and other special events, providing the design, layout and condition of that space in the clubhouse is appealing and well-suited for these purposes. Staffing/operations management Adequate staffing is crucial to the quality needed to become a quality first choice golf course. This applies both to the maintenance operations and to the clubhouse operations. Starting with maintenance, a properly staffed maintenance team is essential to improvements in course quality. A minimum maintenance team should include a full-time year round maintenance superintendent, a 9-month assistant superintendant, three 7- month full-time maintenance crew workers and summer seasonal help (high school and/or college students). In the clubhouse, a full-time manager anda 9-month assistant manager are needed. To this, pro shop staff are added in order to have two people in the pro shop at all times, seven days a week, covering up to 16 hours a day. 12 Equally important to adequate staffing is the manner in which the patrons of a golf course are treated. This derives from the philosophy of how the facility is to be operated. Successful golf enterprises operate in a manner in which every employee is an ambassador of good will for the course - from the general manager to the summer seasonal maintenance worker. Each patron should leave the course feeling, as the commercial goes, "They treat you right." If golfers have had that experience, they will come back to the course again and again. Some would argue that how golfers are treated is more important than the quality of the course. An assessment of the present facilities and operations at Carriage Hills Physical access With the present arterial network of interstates and other freeways in the Twin Cities metro area, general access to Eagan and the general area of Carriage Hills Country Club is excellent. By using a variety of combinations of 1-94,1494, I-35E and 135-W, a large portion of the metro area is within 30 minutes or less of the course. The course is adjacent to and visible from Yankee Doodle Road, a major artery in Eagan. The entry off Yankee Doodle Road is somewhat obscure, with two service roads (one adjacent to the course and the connecting road through the course to the clubhouse. A better entry could be created by extending the dead end of Duckwood Drive beyond Falcon Way into the course grounds to the clubhouse parking lot. This could be deferred if the cost of doing so were prohibitive at this time. EGCS does not know.what the cost of this project would be. Parking facilities The parking lot next to the clubhouse will need to be enlarged beyond its present size. This can be accomplished by the removal of the present maintenance building and maintenance area. The parking area should be blacktopped with parking stalls painted on the surface. Lighting should be added to the parking lot. A nearby parking lot may need to be added as business increases. The layout of features in the vicinity of the parking lot and clubhouse should reflect the efficient flow of activity in that area This means providing a drive-up bag drop station, a golf car staging area, and paved paths that ease of traffic into and out of that area. - Clubhouse (condition and functionalitx) Master planning improvements will be important. The clubhouse should be reviewed in its totality as it serves various needs. Form, indeed, must follow function.' The pro shop should be brought up to date for appearance and functionality. The clubhouse area is essentially a very long and dark room that needs to be made brighter with the feeling of openness to the outside. New carpeting, better lighting and larger window space will help. Removal of golf car storage from the outside of this room will help. !1 . 13 The restroom and locker room area needs to be reviewed to make this space look better and work better. Entry to the restrooms from both inside and outside the clubhouse should be reviewed, so that golfers out on the course can quickly access these facilities. Outside, the roofing needs to be replaced, the front entry way g try y dressed up to be more _ appealing, and the exterior. needs to painted. Plantings of shrubs and flowers around the exterior will do much make the clubhouse look good. First impressions of the facility are created as one pulls into the parking lot and sees the clubhouse. Course quality and features As mentioned earlier, the greens are the heart of a golf course. The strength of Carriage Hills golf course is the condition of its greens. They are on good condition, and generally adequate in size. Two exceptions occur: the size, contour and shaping of the greens on #13 and #14 make those greens inordinately difficult. They must be rebuilt as a part of an overall reconstruction in the vicinity of the #13 green and approach area, and the #14 par- 3. While many tees are in acceptable condition, a number of tees must be rebuilt or resurfaced. Of first priority are tees which are undersized or are not flat or smooth. This is particularly the case for tees on Holes 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 17, and 18. Cart paths in need of repair are usually adjacent to tees which need rebuilding and this can be done at the time the tees are rebuilt. The fairways are not presently in good condition. Good fairway conditions are virtually impossible when the current practice is aeration of fairways only once every seven years. The fairways must be aerated twice each year - once in the spring and once in the fall. An aggressive program of aeration, seeding, top dressing and use of slow-release fertilizers in the first two years will be essential to bring the fairway turf to good condition. These practices will be essential to gradual improvement beyond the first two years and the maintenance of good conditions over time. Course Plavability The present topography for three holes is crucial to playability, particularly to seniors - both men and women. This clientele is essential to the financial success of Carriage Hills as a municipal course. These must be addressed immediately and resolved, even though it will cause temporary conditions in the play of these holes for one season. These conditions exist on Holes 2, 13, and 14. The change in elevation on Hole 2 from the approach area to the green is steep, causing a strenuous walk for seniors from the low to the elevated green. If shots stop on the hillside, it is not a desirable area to temporarily park golf cars to hit the next shot. The green is fine, but the low area before the green must be elevated to make the transition to the green less demanding. The conditions in the approach area to Hole 13 and the depression between the #14 tee and green should be treated at the same time. The change in elevations must be substantially reduced. This may involve lowering the #13 green while raising the #13 fairway before the green. The #13 green needs to be rebuilt anyway because the depth of the green is too shallow and the, contour in the front 15' of the green is too severe. 1~ 14 The par 3 14th hole shares the same valley as the approach to #13 green. as a result, the tee shot on #14 is from one hill to another. After descending from the tee to this valley, the golfer must climb a steep hill to the green. Seniors will find this climb to be physically exhausting for them, at best, and impossible at worst. A golf car can make the climb, but stopping the car on the hill to make a shot to the green is risky under good conditions and dangerous if the grass is wet. The #14 green must be rebuilt because it is strongly crowned, front to back. Any shot hit on the very front of the green is likely to roll off the front Any shot hitting the green beyond the midpoint is likely to roll off the back. The frustration level with this hole as it exists will be very high. While contractors are doing earthwork in this area, they should also lower the forward tee on #15 a few feet to eliminate the blind tee shot from the back tee. Ways can be found to play temporary conditions for these holes with the possible exception of #14. Golfers will accept temporary playing conditions if they know course improvements are in the works. A sign, a flyer or brochure, and perhaps an architect's layout in the pro shop will let the golfers in on what's happening. Hole 16 has a playability problem for those who can't hit the ball over the pond. Although faced with the requirement to hit their initial shot over the water, they should be provided with a "Drop area" where they can hit their next shot to allow them to get to the green No sign of a drop area was observed by EGCS during its site inspection. Other detailed observations can be reviewed in the appendix, Research Notes. Maintenance facilities and equipment The Carriage Hills maintenance building is too small for the functions required of a maintenance facility. The present equipment cannot all be stored during inclement weather. Additional equipment would only add to the dilemma. EGCS feels that the best solution is to build an inexpensive building at a different location, which would still afford good access (centrally located). As previously mentioned under Parking, this would also allow for maximum parking lot space and eliminate the opportunity for theft from the unsecured and often unattended maintenance building. The present gasoline storage within the maintenance area is very unsafe. An OSHA approved above ground or below ground facility needs to be considered. The present building itself would need to brought into OSHA compliance. EGCS recommends the construction of a pole barn type maintenance facility with heated office and cold storage for maintenance equipment. This should be constructed in a place and manner which will allow for expansion. The maintenance equipment at the course is dated but some of it can continue to be used. Some pieces of equipment in the inventory are beyond repair and should be discarded. The salvage value of these items is virtually zero. Modem equipment would be more safe and much more efficient. 15 The list of equipment presently at Carriage Hills follows. Minor items are not included such as grinding devices or hand tools. • 2 Toro F-10 7-gang mowers, one for fairway height cut and one for rough height • 3 Toro 3-gang mowers, about 1975 vintage • 2 Cushman utility vehicles • 2 older 3-gang Nationals • 1 Ryan aerator for greens aeration • 1 top dresser • 4 older walk behind greens mowers (not utilized any more) • 1 verticutter • 1 small tank sprayer (dated) • 1 older tractor for utility purposes • Various small trimmers, etc. To this list the following should be purchased: • 1 fairway aerator • 1 lightweight 5-gang fairway mower • 1 new larger capacity sprayer • 2 new Cushman utility vehicles • 1 newer tractor with sickle bar and small back hoe (trade older tractor) Golf and lesson programs: Driving range and practice center Unless there were major reroutings of several of the holes, Carriage Hills does not have the space (the length) for a full scale driving range. This requires 300 yards in length and 100 yards in width. Short of that, however, there may be ways of creating an innovative practice/learning center that would consist of a hitting area with nets or screens on three sides, a putting and chipping green, and a sand bunker to learn and practice sand shots. Golf cars and golf car storage The present golf car storage is barely adequate and does not afford an opportunity to clean cars after rental. Some consideration should be given to new convenient, secure indoor storage, keeping in mind future growth. An old wood frame garage is used for car storage, but this should be demolished. This facility could be part of -a new maintenance building. The fenced in area for cars adjacent to the clubhouse is unattractive and would obstruct views from the club room to the course. An attractive golf car staging area should be built close to the clubhouse. Provision should be made to upgrade and expand the golf car fleet. Golf car rental is a major profit center for the golf course, and particularly desirable at Carriage Hills with its rolling terrain. 16 Capital requirements within the framework of master planning With the objective of becoming a "first choice" golfing facility, certain improvements at Carriage Hills will need to be made in the first two years (short-term) of operation as a municipal facility. Money must be found outside of the annual operating budget for these purposes. Unless the City of Eagan were willing to pay for these from some municipal resource outside the golf operations, they need to be capitalized in a revenue bond with the purchase of the course. It will be important to "master plan" the improvements to the facility and first address those most crucial to the economic viability of the facility. These relate to golf revenues, and golf revenues relate most directly to the quality of the golf course. Others with high priority are any that relate to code or regulatory requirements pertaining to the clubhouse or maintenance facilities. EGCS offers the following recommendations for improvements - both short-term and long-term and an estimation of the costs of short-term improvements. Improvements Short-term Short term est. cost Long-term Access to course use current entry $0 Relocate to enter via east- ward extension of Duckwood Drive from current dead end to the parking lot at the clubhouse. Clubhouse & Re-roofing and painting exterior; $145,000 Expansion of meeting room environs Up-grade pro shop and restrooms; to southwest with large more lighting throughout with more windows to view course in openness. Replace carpeting. Utility, that direction. Suitable for safety, security upgrades as needed. meetings, receptions, etc. Relocate fenced-in golf storage. Clubhouse area landscaping with shrubs, flowers, etc. Maintenance Replace current maintenance $60,000 Enlarge, winterize as needed. building with new pole bam with heated office and cold storage for equipment and supplies. Purchase of new maintenance $100,000 equipment. Parking Install asphalt surface and concrete $50,000 Add curbing sidewalks. Install lighting W Cart storage Build low cold storage building $40,000 Add space as needed. to accommodate 50 golf cars Course upgrades • Upgrade irrigation system $40,000 Install new irrigation system. • Rebuild and enlarge tees in $20,000 Rebuild or resurface tees greatest need. less critical but needed. • Rebuild and blacktop cart paths $10,000 Continue needed cart path at tees where need is greatest. improvements. • Earth moving to significantly $100,000 Earth moving important reduce elevation changes in front but less critical to playability. of #2 green, #13 green, and Relocation of #9 green tee-to-green on #14; rebuild #13 Eliminating crowned fairway 17 Improvements Short-term Short term est. cost Long-term and *14 greens in conjunction with on hole #5 earth moving; grade out and lower Create parallel doglegs out of forward tee on *15 *12 and #18 Extra seed, top dressing and $20,000 chemicals needed in first two years to bring fairway and green turf up to grade. Financial implications resulting from assessment of facilities and operations at Carriage Hills Country Club The two previous sections indicate that changes in the maintenance and management operations of the course as well as short term improvements in the physical facilities are needed if it is to realize its potential as a successful public facility. These changes include some $585,000 in capital improvements in the subsequent first two years of public operation as well as a reorganization of the management operations of the course. EGCS is aware that an initial asking price for the facility by the present owner is $5,000,000. If one adds the $585,000 of capital improvements to this purchase price the initial outlay by the City of Eagan would be $5,585,000. If one also adds approximately 10 percent of the outlay to cover the various costs of a 20-year revenue bond issue to purchase and operate the facility the resulting bond issue size would be $6,143,500. EGCS calculates the 20-year principal plus interest payments would approximate $11,202,000. EGCS has prepared two scenarios designed to provide a preliminary estimate of total net income (before debt service) of the facility over the 20-year period. These two scenarios are based on: Example 1: An analogy with detailed financial proformas prepared by EGCS for other, but comparable, facilities; and, Example 2: The construction of a revenue/operating expense/capital outlay proforma based on typical income and expense streams for thctoperation of an 18- hole facility. The results of these two independent projections produce similar results. In example 1, the 20-year cumulative net income flow is estimated at $11,650,000. In example 2, it is $11,727,927 - a difference of 0.67 percent: Thus, under either case, the City of Eagan is estimated to realize a cumulative net income - after debt repayment - of only $448,000 to $522,000 over the 20-year period. This provides an average annual net income to the city of about $25,000. The judgment is not EGCS's to make but the analysis indicates to us that the owner's offering purchase price leaves the City of Eagan with little or no "wiggle room" and 18 means that the facility will carry a negative value for most of its 20-year financed life cycle. In that context, should the facility not prove financially successful the City has two options: To either underwrite the operation with tax dollars as it does for other city recreational facilities or to dispose of the land for private development. If the city were able to negotiate a purchase price less than $5,000,000, then that change would necessarily call for recalculations of debt service and resulting net income. The scope of this analysis and report by EGCS is not sufficient to enable the City of Eagan to make a final decision on acquisition. That would entail a detailed market analysis focusing on market area competition, population trends in the market area(s), and a complete financial proforma - including refinements in projected rounds, pricing, complete staffing, detailed projections of operating costs, and acquisitions and improvements beyond those initially capitalized during the first two years. EGCS is prepared to serve the City of Eagan in this next phase should the City decide to move forward - based on this report, information provided by Springsted, and its own discussions of the matter. f' - TABLE ONE CARRIAGE HILLS GOLF COURSE, INCOME/EXPENSE VERSION ONE, SIMILAR COURSES YEAR # YEAR INCOME EXPENSE NET 1 1996 $519,000 $383,000 $136,000 2 1997 $588,000 $405,000 $183,000 3 1998 $657,000 $427,000 $230,000 4 1999 $726,000 $449,000 $277,000 5 2000 $795,000 $471,000 $324,000 6 2001 $864,000 $493,000 $371,000 7 2002 $933,000 $515,000 $418,000 8 2003 $1,002,000 $537,000 $465,000 9 2004 $1,071,000 $559,000 $512,000 10 2005 $1,140,000 $581,000 $559,000 11 2006 $1,209,000 $603,000 $606,000- 12 2007 $1,278,000 $625,000 $653,000 13 2008 $1,347,000 $647,000 $700,000 14 2009 $1,416,000 $669,000 $747,000 15 2010 $1,485,000 $691,000 $794,000 16 2011 $1,554,000 $713,000 $841,000 17 2012 $1,623,000 $735,000 $888,000 18 2013 $1,692,000 $757,000 $935,000 19 2014 $1,761,000 $779,000 $982,000 20 2015 $1,83 000 $801,000 $1,029,000 CUMULATIVE NET INCOME: BEFORE DEBT SERVICE $11,650,000 TABLE TWO CARRIAGE HILLS GOLF COURSE, INCOME/EXPENSE VERSION TWO PRELIMINARY ROUGH ESTIMATES PROFORMA Rii%; Nfi ;EMS . 1Y9e' . . $993 { .:1 . TOTAL ROUNDS PER YEAR - 22500 22500 24750 27226 29948 32042 30236 39800 4' /N 41QOID 450 EFFECTIVE GREENS FEE 817.50 $18.03 $18.57 $19.12 $19.70 $20.29 $20.90 $21.52 $22.17 $22.83 $23.52 COURSE ANNUAL REVENUE $393,750 $405.563 $459,502 $520,616 $598,868 $688,309 $757.194 9857.901 $997,501 $1,027,609 91.068.334 GROSS CART RENTALS $54,000 $59,400 $65,340 $71,974 $79,061 $98,989 $96,684 $105,231 $116,764 $119,229 $14003 LESSON PROGRAMS $7,000 $7,210 $7,426 17,649 $7,879 99,116 $8,356 99.809 58.967 $9,133 19.407 GROSS REVENUES • MERCHANDISE $8,000 $9,200 $10,680 $12,187 $13,992 $16,091 $1504 $21,280 $24,472 1126,208 SWIM GROSS REVENUES - FOOD $56,250 $57,930 $63,731 $70,104 $77,115 014,826 1193,309 41102,840 $115,876 $119,351 $122,932 TOTAL GROSS REVENUES $519,000 $539,310 $806,580 $682.411 $767,905 $884,309 $973,030 $1,095,661 $1,282,560 $1,300,429 $1,339,439 b # kr?y33' ikki£ S:kk ME ray ` 4 f W, Ny`y#,w~ 22: •4 y t R 'n"£vy.. .25u•- y ;k ' t, k#}, sill ON iiiii6 EXPENS6ITEMS; 1988 t997 1989 1$ 4000>'` 2001 > 2002.. 200.1 2004 2004 2008 COURSE AND GROUNDS MAINT. PERS. $127,000 $130,810 $134,734 $130,77'6* 1 $142,940 $147,228 $151,645 11158,194 $180,880 $165,706 111170,877 COURSE OPERATIONS PERS. $138,000 $142,140 $148,404 $160,796 $165,320 $159,990 $164,779 $169,723 $174,814 $190,059 $195,460 OTHER EXPENSES MAINTENANCE: $65.000 $88.950 $88,969 $71,027 $73158 $75.353 $77,913 $79,942 340 014,6110 $87.365 CONTRACTUAL EXPENSES $20,000 $20,600 $21,218 $21,955 $22,510 $23,195 $23,891 $24,597 $25,335 $28095 $26,878 CLUBHOUSE MERCHANDISE $4,000 $4,600 $5,290 $6,083 $6.998 $8.045 $9.262 $10,640 $12,238 $12,803 $12.981 FOOD $18,760 $18,313 $21,244 $23,368 $26706 $29,276 $31103 $34,213 $39,626 $39,794 $40.977 GOLF CAR REPLACEMENT $10,000 $10,500 $11,025 $11,676 $12,155 $12,763 $13,401 $14,071 $14,775 $16,513 $16,289 DEPRECIATION ALLOWANCE $20.000 $20.000 $20.000 $20.000 $20.000 $20.000 $20.000 $20.000 $20,000 $20,000 ' $20,000 COURSE IMPROVEMENT ALLOWANCE $20,000 $22,000 $24,200 $26,620 $29,292 $32,210 $35,431 838,974 $42,972 $47,159 $51,876 TOTAL, ALL DIRECT EXPENSES $422,750 > 1;913 11453,074 $470,102 $458.018 $607,040 $527,106 $548,356 $571,877 $691,730 $612,493 NET INCOME $96,250 $102.399 $153.506 $212,308 $279,839 $357.289 $445.925 $647.308 $$0.673 $708.897 $726.946 CUMULATIVE NET INCOME $98.250 $198,646 $352,164 $664,482 $844.301 I $1,201,670 $1,847,494 $2,194,801 I $2,085,474 03,694,170 I $4,321,118 PAGE 1 OF 2 `o l 20 N 0 N W C, Ct act 40 ~ » M 40 M M » M M N N M f;:' f:>;i M 40 o o ~Ap in 8 $ py $ g < FJ M ~V Il N O A ~ ~ p x N M ~ ~ O N M ~ M M » M M Qg 8 g p g Ntl ~j op~ fV M ~qAp t~1 A 1~ ~ qeO 1o A 1~ ~ RO wnO O A~ O O » M M q M M M ~ » ~ » M N M d `a y S ~afl~}f!, Z tlj ((W~~ J y QC V Q y~Y~C' W W O Wj W 04 W_ y 2 sit I !IIIIII! ~L Z y ry~ XW W W IY fi W W U W IL tu ::':K K K Z r u K 21 APPENDIX Research Notes An inspection of the golf course at Carriage Hills Country Club by Effective Golf Course Systems Hole 1 The tee surface is not in good condition and needs to be enlarged. A separate forward tee should be considered. If the position of #9 green needs to be moved further to the left and away from the condominiums, then the #1 tee should be moved forward so tee shots do not endanger golfers at relocated #9 green. The fairway needs an intensive program of seeding,, top dressing, use of slow release fertilizers and aeration. The fairways currently are aerated only once every seven years. They should be aerated every spring and fall. This situation is existent on al holes, so repeated reference to this factor will not be made. Planting trees or evergreens at the back and right of the green for protection against hooked tee shots from Tee #2 should be considered. The green is in excellent condition. The condition of the greens is the strength of the course. They will not be described for other holes unless there is a particular need which must be addressed. Hole 2 The back tee is in good condition and good size. The forward tee is simply a mowed spot that is not level. A tee box must be built for this forward tee. A sliced tee shot could end up on the road to the right. This represents a moderate risk. The green is elevated and the approach to the green is fairly steep. Senior men and women golfers will find this ascent very arduous. Use of a golf car will ease the problem, but stopping the car on the uphill approach to hit a shot poses some risk. Consideration should be given to earth moving of both cuts and fills that would lower the green somewhat and fill in the low areas preceding the green, thus reducing the change in elevation. The green is split level and appears deep enough to hold approach shots. Hole 3 This is a beautiful par 3 from an elevated tee. Alteration of the mowed area behind the green is recommended so it would not be as steep and would reduce the risk of overturning a mower. Hole 4 The back tee and forward tee are OK. Green is small but acceptable for a short par-4. 22 Hole 5 Several major risks exist at this hole. The cart path is immediately behind the #4 green and loops past that green for golfers who are departing from the #5 tee. An approach shot that is long or to the left of the #4 green could easily hit someone on the cart path or golfers waiting to walk to the #5 forward tee. EGCS would recommend that a paved cart path be created that would enable golf car users to drive up to the elevation of the #5 tee on the left side. The cart path would then extend straight forward toward the fairway and not return to the vicinity of the #4 green. By standing at the back of the back tee, one can see that the orientation or alignment of the tee is toward the newly paved walking path and Yankee Doodle Road. If the golfer preparing to hit the tee shot takes his/her stance in alignment with the tee rather than the fairway, he/she will' aim toward the road. The fairway is crowned (convex) in the center, and any tee shot hit too far left of center will bound down to the left, and any tee shot hit too far right of center will bound down to the right. This reduces the effective width of the fairway. What is needed is earth moving to eliminate this crown in the center of the fairway. Hole 6 The cart path by #6 tee needs repair - grading out and blacktopping. The tee is much too small. Risk occurs with apartments and tennis court on right. Long-term solution to apartments and tennis courts on right might be to relocate the tee short of and to the left of #5 green and create a dogleg out of the hole. For long tee shots, the tee shot carries to a blind landing area. Fairway should be graded out to eliminate this problem. In the long term, it would be advisable to cover the ditch across the fairway and install underground drainage tile. Hole 7 The tee is too small and needs to be rebuilt and enlarged. Hole 8 The tee is too small and needs to be rebuilt and enlarged. Hole 9 The tee needs to be enlarged. The condominiums to the right of the green are approximately 25 yards from the right edge of the green. For a long par- 3 of 183 yards, most golfers will use woods or long irons off the tee. With the greater margin of error for these clubs, the possibility of hitting the condominiums is significant. Rebuilding the green 20-25 yards to the left of the present green should be considered. Hole 10 The tee should be rebuilt. The tee shot landing area is severely sloped from right to left, and presents the possibility of a blind landing area on the right. Consideration should be give to regrading in this area with cuts to the right side and corresponding fills to the left. 23 A moderate risk occurs of hitting golfers on the #11 tee if the approach shot is long and left of the green. Hole 11 To avoid the risk of being hit by approach shots to the #10 green, consideration should be given to relocating the tee to an area within the grove of trees to the right of the tee. Earth moving to create an elevated tee in that area may be substantial. A peninsula tee in that area, hitting out of chute created in the trees, would eliminate the risk of being hit by approach shots on #10 and of hitting someone in the #10 fairway. Hole 12 The tee is now set at 295 yards, just ahead of a small marshy area to reduce the risk of slicing a tee shot onto homes on the right. It would be nice to move the tee back to a spot near its original location to regain distance if the risk to the right can be controlled. A long-term solution might to create #12 and #18 as parallel doglegs where the tee shot on #12 is directed to the left away from the homes. Hole 13 The combined tees of #13 and #18 will need to be rebuilt. Presently they are too small and uneven. The cart paths associated with these tees will need to be regraded and blacktopped. The landing area from the back tee is somewhat obscured by the low hill on the right side of the fairway. It would be helpful if this could be lowered. The cuts from this are badly needed to fill in much of the low in front of the green. The change in elevation from the approach to the green is too severe. If this course is to attract seniors - both men and women - the severity of this change in elevation must be reduced. The front of the green breaks off severely to the front and the green is very shallow. This green will need to be rebuilt so that it is larger and so that it can absorb the approach shot. The playability of this hole as it presently exists is poor. Hole 14 Hole 14 is a par 3 from one hill top to another. Although the elevation of the tee and green is similar, a large depression lies in between, making it somewhat difficult to negotiate by golf car and straining for the senior golfer. This difficulty is evidenced by the fact that many golfers~vill walk from the tee to a road to the left, down the road, and back onto-the course where the elevation of the green is the same. If the grass were wet, EGCS feels that it would be unsafe to drive a cart up the hill in front of the green. As a target, the green is crowned front to back with little depth. Some shots that hit the front of the green may roll back off the front. Tee shots that hit the middle of the green or beyond are likely to roll off the back. The playability of this hole is very poor. Substantial earth moving between the tee and the green and reconstruction of the green and environs will be required to make this hole playable across the variety of skill levels that this course must attract. 24 Hole 15 The tee needs to be enlarged. At present the tee shot is blind because of the elevation of the red tee. Grading this area out to see the landing area will not be difficult, and the excavated dirt could be used to fill a depression about 50 yards in front of the red tee. Hole 15 is very attractive. Hole 16 The carry over the water (perhaps 130 yards from the back tee and 100 yards from the front tee) on this par 3 will be difficult for seniors, women and others who don't hit their tee shots too far. It is not clear what relief is available after hitting the first shot into the water. Is there a drop area that will enable to golfer to advance to the green? In order to walk or drive to the green, golfers must go around the right side of the pond. This poses a risk as this is within range of tee shots from the 15th tee. Caution through signage both on the 15th tee and the 16th tee will reduce the risk. Hole 17 The tee is much too small and not in good condition. It must be replaced with a larger, properly built tee. Hole 18 As noted in the comments for Hole #13, the tee shared with #18 needs to be rebuilt and larger. In the long run, the fairway on #18 might be reshaped as a dogleg to parallel #12 if it becomes a dogleg.