07/14/1997 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission
AGENDA
ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
Monday, July 14, 1997
7:00 PM
Eagan Municipal Center
City Council Chambers
A. 6:00 Park Tour - Sky Hill 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 May 13 and June16, 1997 7:05 pm
F. Visitors to be Heard 7:07 pm
G. Department Happenings Pages 3-4
H. Consent Agenda 7:15 pm
(1) Verdant Hills Estates - Kenneth Green Pages 5-9
7:20 pm
H. Development Proposals
1. Old Business 7:21 pm
(1) CIP
J. New Business
(1) Lexington Diffley Athletic Fields - Acceleration of Development Pages 11-14 7:25 pm
(2) Setback Requirements for Park Boundaries Pages 15-16 7:40 pm
K. Parks Development Update 7:55 pm
L. Water Resources Update 8:00 pm
M. Other Business and Reports
(1) Subcommittee Reports 8:10 pm
N. Round Table 8:15 pm
0. Adjournment 8:20 pm
The City of Eagan is committed to the policy that all persons have equal 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 disabled 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 attempt
to provide the aids.
ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
1997 MEETING SCHEDULE
NAME Feb Mar April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan
24 17 14 13 16 14 18 15 20 17 15 15
X
Terry Davis x X X X
Jerry Farlee X T x x X X
N.Mark Fili i Appointed May, 1997 X X
Barbara Johnson x 0* X X 0*
Steven Knutson (Alternate) Appointed Ma 1997 X X
Guy Kohlnhofer x X 0 X X
George Kubik x X X X 0*
Lee Markell x X X X X
Da le Petersen x X X X X
John Rudol h x X X X X
Michael Vincent x X X X X
Recreation Sub-Committee Natural Resources Sub-Committee Land Acquisition Sub-Committee
John Rudolph Daryle Peterson Michael Vincent
George Kubik Tim Callister Lee Markell
Guy Kohlnhofer Terry Davis
Jerry Farlee
Barbara Johnson
UPCOMING MEETINGS: Holz Farm Task Force
5:30p;r-Feb. 27..... Land A cguis•ion/Developmcn• Subcommittee
5:00 pm.... Mar. 17.....Joint Council/APRNRC Meeting
r7.00 pm - Mtir10...... Recreatson Subcommittcc
rTr
5 30 A.I. 12 d /n I COI7 bEe i
.~ITC.-T[GQPiiIG~e1l1•VRCTO~~CTTL ~1TR1TCEGe
A9inTT.... April 21..... A . in I Sub (AMu phy Pro rty)
5:000 pm-April 22....Natu al Resources Subcommittee (Maplewood)
5 -ApriTil 29 Co ».I ion Workshop (C1o)
3.30 ° May 227...... C^ ~'.`.:..':^n Workshop (CIP)
71--00 prriiay 29...... vfla~atcr R -.-o-adcTacm Sid.....alk Meeting
rmcMeec
7:45 am....June 21 Community Center Tour (Maplewood/Shoreview/New Brighton)
OPEN ISSUES
1. Tour of Community Centers in other cities
2. Commission Review Workshop
city of eagan MEMO
TO: ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
FROM: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION
DATE: JUNE 11, 1997
RE: JULY 14 COMMISSION MEETING
With ]uly's short agenda we should be able to adjourn the meeting fairly early. Several park
sites will be toured prior to the meeting. Please meet at the east entrance of the Municipal
Center so we can leave at 6:00 p.m. We will return In time to begin the meeting at 7:00
p.m.
Action items for the Commission Include the Consent Agenda, acceleration of parking lot
development at Lexington Diffley Athletic Fields and recommendation for setback
requirements for park boundaries. Parks development and water resources updates will also
be provided.
As usual, if you are unable to attend the meeting, please call 681-4661.
Respect ly su . itted,
Ken Vraa
Director of Parks and Recreation
KV:cm
PARKS AND RECREATION
JUNE, 1997 DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS
1. The Department's youth softball skills and hitting camps attracted 30 participants. The activity is
geared to fast pitch softball players. Sandra Hillyer, Eagan High School Varsity Coach and Kathleen
Fletcher, Sibley High School Varsity coach conduct the camps.
2. Rainy days have plagued tennis activity during the day. To date, all evening play has been held. The
Junior Tennis League and youth lessons are again being well received.
3. Rain was a critical factor for the Yankee Doodle Festival once again. It is a shame as the event is
truly a professional effort. The variety and quality of the artisans is outstanding. The event
compares favorably with the Uptown Arts and Crafts Festival.
4. Intern Craig Walter has begun his research for his project. Craig will present his findings and
recommendations concerning kiosks on the City's trail system at the August Commission meeting.
5. As in previous years, the Northview concession as of the end of June has reached the break even
point. From this point forward, gross revenue will exceed product purchases and seasonal salaries.
Two August tournaments are important to the overall profitability of the concession.
6. Staff will be conducting National Youth Sports Association certification clinics the week of August
11. Fall soccer and football are the sports to be addressed. In September basketball and wrestling
will be addressed.
7. The first Evening in the Park performance attracted an audience estimated at 250-300. McDonald's
of Eagan is again providing free orange drink this year. The informal amphitheater at Trapp Farm
works well for this event.
8. As of this writing, 6,162 registrations have been processed for summer recreation activities.
9. Meetings of the District 196 Family Services Collaborative are in hiatus for the summer. School
personnel are not readily available to meet during the summer. Should families City staff come in
contact with need services from collaborative partners, a summer network of contacts is in place.
10. Recreation staff are busy, busy, busy. The community's children are taking part in activities all over
the City. Once again an excellent staff of seasonal leaders are providing positive role models,
creative and fun activities for Eagan youth.
11. For the first time in recollection all EAA activity was cancelled the evening of July 2. Parks
Maintenance reported unplayable conditions at all ballfields and standing water on soccer fields.
The Department appreciates the splendid cooperation it received from all EAA sports.
12. Two Eagle Scout projects have recently been completed at park sites. Alex Chorewycz replaced a
park entrance and designed and installed landscape planting beds at the entrance to Bur Oaks park.
Dan Kasperek developed and installed an arboretum style tree identification and information system
for Captain Dodd park.
13. The Parks/Forestry intern has begun the mapping of all elements in each park area using a GPS
recorder. The information will create a new series of "layers" to be used for park mapping, planning
and design.
14. Twenty applications were received for the vacant Park Maintenance Worker position. Fourteen of
the applicants qualified for the written test which was given the week of July 7. Staff intends to
make a selection by the end of the month.
15. Staff has completed the installation of several new water quality informational kiosks.
16. The Twin Cities Tree Trust has completed a landscape renovation project at Lexington Park. The
project included the installation of landscape plantings, small retaining walls and a trail segment.
17. The fertilization of irrigated athletic sites has begun. A low phosphorus custom blend is being used.
18. Staff has noted an increase in park vandalism during the month of June. Most has been limited to
graffiti though several windows have been damaged.
19. In accordance with the recently approved agreement with the School District, staff is maintaining the
athletic fields and turf at Dakota Hills Middle School. No significant impact on maintenance
scheduling has been noted.
20. Forestry staff has begun to research the use of mycorrhizal fungi to promote root growth. The
material can be used as a supplement for both new and existing tree plantings.
21. Skyhill Park served as the primary site for the community 4th of July celebration. Events included a
parade, fireworks and a carnival. The overflow crowds raised questions regarding the ability of the
site to host the event in the future, given the increasing popularity. Organizers have agreed a larger
site may be appropriate. Some turf damage caused by soggy ground and large trucks occurred in the
carnival area. Staff will be working to restore the turf.
22. 312 Hog Roast tickets were sold Sunday, July 6 at Holz Farm for the Friends of the Farm fund-raiser.
A beautiful day helped bring in the big crowd. Besides the delicious meal, visitors enjoyed hayrides,
a bonfire, shelling corn, grinding flour, playing old tyme baseball and listening to a musician who
played ten different instruments. 25 volunteers made it all happen.
23. The Knights of Columbus surprised the Friends of the Farm with a donation of $3,000! Combined
with their gift this past spring, they have given a total of $7,000 in 1997!
24. The tractor and haywagon were a big hit in the Eagan 4th of July parade. 1,000 flyers were handed
out promoting the Hog Roast.
R9/june department happenings
If
MEMO
city of eagan
TO: ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
FROM: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION
DATE: JULY 8, 1997
RE: VERDANT HILLS ESTATES - KENNETH GREEN
BACKGROUND
Ken Greene is requesting approval of a Rezoning of 5.9 acres from Agricultural to Single Family
Residential and a Preliminary Subdivision consisting of 12 lots on 9.2 acres located north of Woodland
Trail and west of Woodland Court in the NE 1/4 of Section 14. All lots meet or exceed R-1 Zoning
District requirements for area and width.
The proposed subdivision incorporates phase II of the Verdant Acres subdivision platted In 1994 and
portions of Lots 3 at 4, Block 3, Wescott Garden Lots. The subject property Is designated D-l, Single
Family (0-3 u/ac) In the City's Comprehensive Guide Plan and, as such, the proposed rezoning Is
consistent with the Plan.
PARKS/TRAILS DEDICATION
This development would be subject to a cash parks dedication and a cash trails dedication.
TREE PRESERVATION
A tree preservation plan and a tree Inventory have been submitted for this development. The Inventory
indicates that current significant vegetation consists of 323 significant trees. The significant trees are
primarily oak trees (with a variety of other species Including ash, elm, maple, pine and spruce) ranging in
diameter from 6" to 32".
Site preparation during the initial phase of this development will result In the removal of 6 significant
trees (2.3% of the total). The applicant has indicated to staff that this Is a "worst case" scenario, and
that the possibility exists to preserve at least three of the trees proposed to be removed during initial site
development.
According to the City of Eagan Tree Preservation Ordinance, allowable removal for the Initial phase of
this type of development (residential, multiple lot) is set at 25% of the existing significant vegetation.
With a significant tree removal less than allowable limits there Is no tree preservation mitigation for this
development. An allowable removal for each of the 1 1 lots within this development is set at 20% of
the remaining trees on each lot. An Individual Lot Tree Preservation Plan will be required at the time of
Building Permit application for these 11 lots.
Staff is recommending approval of the Tree Preservation Plan as proposed with the following conditions:
• To acknowledge that Individual Lot Tree Preservation Plans will be required for Lots 2 through
12 at the time of building permit application.
S
• To require that Tree Protective measures (i.e. 4 foot polyethylene laminate safety netting) be
installed at the Drip Line or at the perimeter of the Critical Root Zone, whichever is greater, of
significant trees/woodlands to be preserved during both initial site development and individual
lot development.
• To require that the applicant 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.
WATER QUALITY/WETLANDS
This 6.5 acre single family residential development is an expansion of the previously approved Verdant
Acres development reviewed by the Commission in June, 1994. Because of the small size of the site
and the fact that it is both hilly and heavily wooded, staff is recommending a cash dedication for water
quality mitigation in lieu of on-site ponding. The total cash dedication for the site would be based on the
development density and total area of the parcel, less the areas of the site (Lot 1) where development
density will not change. There is one small wetland along the southern edge of the site, but no grading
will take place within 30 feet of the wetland edge.
Staff recommends that:
• This development be subject to a cash dedication in lieu of on-site ponding for water quality
mitigation. The amount of the cash dedication should be based on the total area and
development density of the site, less the area of the existing developed lot (Lot 1).
• Filling or draining of the jurisdictional wetland along the southern border of the site is
prohibited.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. This development shall be responsible for a cash parks dedication.
2. This development shall be responsible for a cash trails dedication.
3. Individual Lot Tree Preservation Plans will be required for Lots 2 through 12 at the time of
building permit application.
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
trees/woodlands to be preserved during both initial site development and individual lot
development.
5. The applicant 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. This development shall be subject to a cash dedication in lieu of on-site ponding for water
quality mitigation. The amount of the cash dedication should be based on the total area and
development density of the site, less the area of the existing developed lot (Lot 1).
7. Filling or draining of the jurisdictional wetland along the southern border of the site is
prohibited.
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MEMO
city of eagan
DATE: June 27, 1997
TO: Advisory Parks Commission
FROM: Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation
Dorothy Peterson, Superintendent of Recreation
SUBJECT: Acceleration of Development at Lexington Diffley Athletic Fields
For Commission Action
To recommend/deny to the City Council that the Department of Parks and Recreation accelerate
development of the northwest parking lot and the informal ball field at Lexington Diffley'
Athletic Fields consistent with the Master Plan for the park.
Issue
The extensive use by youth soccer at Lexington Diffley has surpassed the amount of available
parking space resulting in associated problems and the pressing need to construct the "future"
parking area sooner than expected.
Background
The features named are all elements of the Master Plan for Lexington Diffley Athletic Fields.
The Master Plan provided for 6 softball fields; 3 full sized soccer fields and one full size overlay
soccer field, access road and parking lots. A 7' softball field and an additional parking area were
not constructed with the first phase construction.
Soccer activity has been held at Lexington Diffley since the fall of 1996. However, the full sized
fields are now needed by the Eagan Athletic Association youth soccer program. Full sized field
needs can be accommodated at Northview Athletic, Ohmann Park and Eagan High School in the
fall. Full size field space is available at Northview and Ohmann in the summer to meet the
"summer soccer" program needs.
Consequently, Lexington Diffley has been designated and used for youth grades K-4, for soccer
last fall and again this summer. The expanse of the park has enabled Parks and Recreation to
stripe 6 fields sized to the needs of grades K-1, 3 fields for 2nd graders and 2 fields sized for
grades 3 & 4; for a total of 11 fields.
Parking was somewhat of a problem in the fall of '96, until soccer stagger-started the games so
that not everyone was arriving or leaving at the same time. The softball fields were not in use in
the fall.
Page two
This summer, the 6 softball fields are fully scheduled, as are the 11 soccer fields. Parking, and in
particular entering and leaving the south parking lot, has been a less than desirable situation. A
"temporary lot" was opened on the space where the proposed parking lot is to be located. This
helped alleviate the problem somewhat, but the "temporary" action is not useful when the ground
is wet from heavy rains, nor is it obvious that parking is available at this temporary location.
Facts:
• Eagan Athletic Association has registered 1600 youth for fall soccer. One additional
registration session is planned and late sign ups are allowed. Three hundred youth were
registered late in 1996.
• The current grade breakdown is:
K-186, ls`-363, 2nd-311, 3`d-246, 4`h-202, 5`h&6th-240
All grade levels except 5 & 6 utilize fields of the size now provided at Lexington Diffley.
• A strong potential exists that actual numbers will exceed EAA projections of 1860 youth
soccer players this fall.
• Youth soccer frequently produces 3 cars per child. One parent comes with the child, the
second parent arrives later and grandma and grandpa come separately.
• The proposed parking lot will accommodate 126 vehicles. 321 spaces are now available
at Lexington Diffley.
• Summer access to soccer fields at school sites is limited to one small space at Thomas
Lake Elementary and one regulation sized field at Eagan High School.
• The most efficient use of maintenance is to cluster small fields together rather than spread
out all over the City creating drive and trailer on and off loading time for the field
marking equipment.
• The informal softball field was originally intended to be used for challenge games/picnics
for which there is no current dedicated available site. Dozens of these games are
processed each summer.
• The potential exists to utilize the beams from the Fire Administration Building for a
picnic shelter near the informal ball field.
• The needs of programs in place indicate that this development proposal merits action
prior to completion of the CIP.
• Final design and bid documents could lead to fall construction and use of the parking lot
and field in 1998.
Ap-
Page three
Costs:
The proposed development would be funded by the Park Site Fund.
Estimated costs: Parking lot/roadway $125,000
Ball field 5,000
Summation
The continual use of Lexington Diffley by youth soccer is likely to continue for an indefinite
period of time, as will the parking problem.
Staff recommends that the Commission approve the acceleration of development of the parking
lot, roadway and informal ball field at Lexington Diffley Athletic Fields to meet this problem.
Attachment: Site Plan
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DATE: July 7,1997
TO: Ken Vraa
FROM: Julie Farnham
RE: Proposed Zoning Amendments affecting North Park
BACKGROUND
The City Council directed planning staff to begin reviewing portions of the Zoning Code
and making suggestions on potential revisions. To date, staff has been looking at the
industrial zoning district regulations. One of the issues that has surfaced relates to a
provision requiring increased setbacks (currently 100 feet; proposed to be 50 feet) to
buffer residential and public (including parks) property from adjacent industrial zoned
property. Because the additional setbacks are imposed on the industrial properties, this
requirement may pose severe property development limitations.
If, or when, North Park is formally designated parkland, it will need to be rezoned from
Limited Industrial (I-1) to Parks (P). This will trigger the requirement for additional
setbacks on the surrounding industrial properties, many of which are older, smaller, and
irregularly shaped. Many will become "existing, non-conforming" properties, which
means that existing structures are permitted to remain, but new structures, including
building additions, would need to meet the additional setback requirements. This is a
major concern to some of the property owners in the vicinity of the proposed North Park.
In reviewing the situation, staff concludes that there are two basic options for addressing
this issue. One would involve listing "public athletic complexes" as a permitted use in
the I districts and the other would be to establish exception provisions in the zoning code
specifically related to North Park (i.e. have the additional setback requirements
internalized within the park).
The main advantage of the first option is that it would eliminate the need to rezone North
Park to "P" and thus the additional setbacks would not apply. This approach would be
fairly straight forward and easy to apply. The primary disadvantage of this option is that
athletic complexes would be the only park type not consistently zoned Park which could
create some confusion. However, it is likely that North Park will be the only athletic
complex in the City surrounded by industrially zoned property. Other parks surrounded
by industrial property include Lexington Park and Hidden Corner Park. Both of these are
too small to develop as athletic complexes.
The main advantage of the second option is that by creating special provisions to deal
with this unique situation, the application of the provisions is site specific and not
citywide. This would guard against any unforeseen situation where it may not be
appropriate to allow an athletic complex on industrial zoned property. It would also
allow North Park to be zoned "P" which would be consistent with the zoning on other
parks throughout the City. The primary disadvantage is that application of special
provision, in effect overlay zoning, is more complicated, primarily because the provisions
are extraordinary and therefore not readily apparent by simply looking in the zoning
ordinance. In addition, because such special provisions are not uniformly applied
citywide, this approach could be confusing. This can become an increasing problem with
time, as staff involved with creation of the special provisions may move on, and new staff
are unaware of the provisions.
REQUESTED ACTION
The Advisory Planning Commission is currently reviewing draft code revisions for
industrial districts, including this issue regarding North Park. It is anticipated that a
public hearing will be held at their regular meeting on July 22, 1997. Staff would like to
get input from the APrC on the North Park issue so we can forward it to the APC prior to
the public hearing.
If you have any questions in this regard, please do not hesitate to call me at 681-4698.
Thank you.
f~p.
June 29, 1997
4290 Daniel Drive
Eagan, MN 55123
Ken Vraa
City of Eagan
Parks & Recreation Director
3820 Pilot Knob Road
Eagan, MN 55122
Re: Request For Additional Fields
For 1998 Traveling Baseball
Dear Mr. Vraa:
We plan to add additional traveling baseball teams in 1998 in response to
the increased number of applicants we have had in recent years. In 1997
we had 227 Eagan boys register and try out for the traveling program.
Unfortunately, due to lack of fields available to our program, we could
only accept 163 players on 13 teams.- We had to turn away 64 boys, all
Eagan residents. These numbers are also typical of previous years. The
high demand has been primarily in the 10 through 13 year old age groups.
Currently we have three 12 year old teams and two each at the 10, 11, 13,
14, and 15 year ages. For 1998 we plan on three teams each at the 10,
11, 12 and 13 year ages. Ages 14 and 15 will likely continue with two
teams and we plan on adding a 16 year old team. This will be an increase
of four teams for a total of 17 traveling teams to serve approximately
205 boys.
Additional fields are therefore needed for our program. We would like to
meet with you and your staff to discuss this request and begin
preparations for 1998. We are also available to discuss with the Advisory
Parks Commission or the City Council if that would be beneficial.
June 29 1997
Ken Vraa
Page 2
In closing we would like to emphasize that the participants in our
traveling program are Eagan youths. We hope they are accorded the same
or greater priority than the adult programs that have received additional
fields in the last year and have many players that are non-Eagan residents.
Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to your response.
You can contact me at 686-9860 at home or 222-7379 at work.
Sincerely
Dave Gervais
Director Eagan Travel Baseball
cc:
Travel Baseball Board
Dorothy Peterson (City of Eagan)
city of aagan
THOMAS EGAN
Mayor
June 18, 1997
PATRICIA AWADA
BEA BLOMQUIST
SANDRA A. MASIN
THEODORE WACHTER
Council Members
Dear Captain Dodd Park Resident: THOMAS HEDGES
City Administrator
As a resident near Captain Dodd Park I want to inform you of a concern that recently E. J. VAN OVERBEKE
came to the attention of the City. City Clerk
The City was informed by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) that lead-contaminated soil was
found on the very eastern edge of the park. This area borders Inver Grove Heights. This soil came from the
adjoining property to the east, which was formerly used as a site where car batteries were broken up; hence the
lead fragments and soil contamination. Although the site has been inactive for a number of years, remnants of
the operation remain on the site, some of which were pushed onto park property years ago.
The State Health Department believes the contaminated soils are In a relatively small area where the terrain
restricts access and use. We have no reason to believe that your homes or yards are affected. Lead is*a stable
substance and does not migrate or move easily. Lead becomes a health risk only if a significantly high level is
ingested. Contact with the skin is not generally considered to be a problem.
If you would like more information about lead and health risks, you may want to contact Carl Herbrandson
(215-0925) or Deborah Durkin (215-0778) at the State Health Department.
As mentioned, the City was just recently made aware of this issue but has already taken additional soil samples.
The results of these tests found lead levels within State limits. We believe the affected area is restricted to the
very eastern edge of the park and the adjoining property. To keep youth from going into the affected area, a
fence has been erected on the east side of the park as a precautionary measure. The site to the east will be
cleaned up under a plan approved by, and to be supervised by, the MPCA. You will see activity on that site by
late summer. Like any construction project, parents of youth that are old enough to go exploring on their own,
should caution their children about going beyond the fence.
The City will continue to work with MPCA and State Health staff on this issue. Additional tests may be taken
before any remedial action occurs. Because you may have additional questions, Carl Herbrandson and I will be
at the park on Thursday, June 26 between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. to answer your questions. If you have
additional questions after that time you may call Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation at 68 1-4660.
Sincerely,
Ken Vraa
Director of Park and Recreation
cc: Mayor and City Council
Tom Hedges, City Administrator
Carl Herbrandson, State Health Department
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