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07/18/2005 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission TOUR: AGENDA * EAGAN ART HOUSE ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA MEET AT 6:00 AT THE UPPER LEVEL. PARKTNC "AREA. Monday, July 18, 2005 7:00 PM Eagan Municipal Center City Council Chambers A. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance 7:00 pm B. Approval of Agenda 7:02 pm C. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of June 20, 2005 7:05 pm D. Visitors to be Heard 7:06 pm E. Volunteer Recognition -Friends of the Farm - Les Bachman 7:07 pm F. Superintendent's Update and Department Happenings Pages 3-5 7:12 pm (1) Recreation Programs Update Pages 6-8 G. Consent Agenda 7:35 pm H. Development Agenda 7;36 pm 1. Old Business 7:37 pm J. New Business (1) Public Hearing - 20/20 Vision Master Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan 7:38 pm K. Water Resources Update 7:50 pm L. Other Business and Reports (1) Director Position Status 7:55 pm M. Round Table 7:57 pm N. Adjournment 8:00 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 event. If a notice of less than 96 hours is received, the City will attempt to provide the aids. 01 dP r .d . r r AD'-'3C.' COMMISSION NAME AN ADDRESS TERM TELEPHONE TERM EXPIRE START JOSEPH BARI ~T®T?-1999 651-454-8442 (H)5/2008 3033 Timberwood Trail (3 yr. 1999) Eagan, 55121 (3 yr. 2002) jbaril(irjuno.com (3 yr. 2005) PHIL BELFIORI 2002 651-905-0293 (H) 5/2006 3671 Canary Way (lyr. 2002) 763-287-7167 (W) Eagan, MN 55123 (3 yr, 2003) pbelfiori ci wsbeng.com MARGO DANNER 2001 651/454-5688 (H) 5/2007 2037 Flint Lane (3 yr. 2001) Eagan, MN 55122 (3 yr. 2004) mrsmagoo(a?usfamily.net TERRY DAVIS (Chair) 1997 651-452-2635 (H) 5/2006 4895 Safari Pass (3 yr. 1997) 651-310-8941 (W) Eagan, MN 55122-2690 ((3 yr. 200) 3 yr. 2000) 452-2152 (Home fax) terry.davisastpaul.com TSIVAD aol.com home MARK FILIPI May, 1997 651-602-1725 (W) 5/2007 836 Overlook Place (3 yr. 1998) 651-687-9866 (H) (3 yr. 2001) mark.filipi a metc.state.mn.us Eagan, MN 55123 (3 yr. 2004) DUANE L. HANSEN May, 2004 952-894-9228 (W) 5/2008 3911 Denmark Ave (1 yr. 2004) 651-687-9566 (H) Eagan, MN 55123 (3 yr. 2005) hand00ta?comcastnet MUHAMMEDLODHI May, 2004 952-278-2629 (W) 5/2007 4361 Bear Path Trail (3 yr. 2004) 651-686-5273 (H) Eagan, MN 55122 m lodb:i@hotmail.com DOROTHY PETERSON (Vice Chair) 2000 651-454-6532 (H) 5/2006 4337 Sequoia Drive (3 yr. 2000) Eagan, MN 55122 (3 yr. 2003) norsk4337aa juno.com RICHARD PLETCHER (Secretary) 2001 651-687-9177 (H) 5/2008 1074 Northview Park (1 yr. 2001) Eagan, MN 55123 (3 yr. 2002) richard.pletcherausarc-emh2.army. mil (3 yr. 2005) RYAN ZIPF (alternate) 2005 651-686-2958 (H) 5/2006 4721 Pebble Beach Way (1 yr. 2005) 651-281-1275 (W) Eagan, MN 55123 rzipf ).hotmail.com Ea; :n City Staff f E- all: cmesko9d.eaan.mn.us polson@ci.eagan.mn.us ~asfahl@ci.eagan.mn.us ghove@ci.eagan.mn.us emacbeth@ci.eaan.mn.us 711-05 Phone #651-675-5505 (Cherryl's # after 4.30 p.m.) Eagan Parks and Recreation Phone Number: 651-675-5500 Eagan Parks and Recreation Staff E- ail Administration: Cherryl Mesko cmesko@ci.eaaan,mn.us Paul Olson polson@ci. eagan. mn. us Jeff Asfahl ias ahlC ci.eagan.mn,us Forestry: Gregg Hove ghove@ci.eaaan.mn.us Water Resources: Eric Macbeth emacbeth@ci.eagan.mn.us Recreation Staff' Paula Nowariak pnowariak@ci.eagan. n.us Sonya Rippe srippe@ci.eaaan.mn.us Cathy Bolduc cbolduc@ci.eactan. n. us Holly Champlin hchamplin@ci.eagan.mn.us Colleen Callahan ccallahan@ci.eagan.mn.us Civic Arena: Mark Vaughan mvaughan@ci.eagan.mn.us Community Center: Sandy Breuer sbreuer@ci,eaaan.mn.us ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION 2005-06 MEETING SCHEDULE NAME May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar April 16 20 18 15 19 17 14 19 12* 20 20 17 Joseph Bari x X Phil Belfiori X 0 Margo Danner Terry Davis (Chair) N. Mark Filipi Duane L. Hansen Muhammed Lodhi x X Dorothy Peterson Vice Chair Richard Pletcher x x Secrete Ryan Zipf (alternate) X = present O = absent O* = notified staff of absence prior to meeting Recreation Sub-Committee Natural Resources Sub-Committee Acquisition/Development Sub-Ccrnm iltee Richard Pletcher Muhammed Lodhi Dorothy Peterson Ryan Zipf Mark Filipi Margo Danner Terry Davis Duane Hansen Joe Bari Joe Bari Phil Belfiori Terry Davis UPCOMING MEETINGS: OPEN ISSUES Holz Farm NRHP Preliminary Evaluation August 15: Regular APrC meeting Parks Master Plan Review Sept. 1: Special APrC meeting to formally close the public comment Volunteer Recognition Methodology period for 20/20 Vision draft plan Sept 19: Regular APrC meeting to adopt the 20/20 Vision plan with comments. Sept. 27: Tentative meeting with City Council to review the Vision Plan October: City Council takes action on the 20/20 Vision plan Juli Johnson, new park director, begins September 6, 2005. My of Eap MEMO TO: ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION FROM: PARKS AND RECREATION STAFF DATE: JULY 15, 2005 SUBJECT: JULY 18, 2005 COMMISSION MEETING The July meeting will be preceded by a 6:00 p.m. tour of the Eagan Art House. Members interested in joining the tour should meet at the east entrance of the municipal center to car pool. If you are not able to attend the tour or the meeting please call Cherryl at 675-5505 before 6 pm. The regular meeting will begin at 7:00 pm and the agenda includes: Item E: Les Bachman will be recognized for his volunteer hours at Holz Farm by the Friends of the Farm. Item F: Superintendents Olson and Asfahl will provide their monthly update of activities from their respective divisions followed by a recreation program report presented by Supervisor Cathy Bolduc. Item G: There are no Consent Agenda items for the Commission to review. Item H: There are no Development Agenda items for the Commission to review. Item I: There are no Old Business items for the Commission to review. Item J: One of the consultant's representatives will be present to present the APrC with the draft 20/20 Vision plan and solicit input and comments from the public. Item K: Coordinator Macbeth will provide a brief overview of water resources items that may be of interest to the Advisory Commission. Item L: Staff will update the APrC on the selection of a new Parks and Recreation director pending approval by the City Council. Department Happenings July 18, 2005 RECREATION DIvisION • A record-breaking 59 young tennis enthusiasts participated in the Annual South of the River Tennis Tournament this year. Two sites accommodated everyone and winners received trophies for their great tennis skills in a match setting. • Adapted track started on July 11 with 18 enthusiastic kids with mental or physical disabilities, • More summer camps will begin during the week of July 25. Registrations are still available for many camps. • The hot weather has not slowed down the youth of Eagan. Participants are keeping busy in the T-ball, Eaganettes and Summer in the Park programs. A trip to the Jonathan Paddleford is scheduled for July 14 and Summer in the Park will end with the Summer Blast Tropical Party at the Eagan Civic Arena on July 21. • The Eaganettes program marched in the 4`h of July parade in Eagan. The participants who are ages 4-12 had a great time marching and moving to music. We believe that the Eaganettes have participated in every parade since 1972! TEENS • Battle of the Bands - June 29`h 5 bands competed for cash prizes and a chance to compete at our Grand Battle at the Dakota County Fair for spot as an opener for Friday night's band worth $250.00. The bands were awesome! Over 125 people, all ages, hung out and cheered them on at the Oasis. The group Y? will represent Eagan at the Fair this year. • South Metro Short Film Festival 11 films were entered in this year's festival. 8 of which will be featured at the festival on July 16' at Rosemount High School. Show times are scheduled for 10a.m. and 1p.m. with awards and drawing to follow. Each year the festival gets better. This year our new partners are the Imation IMAX Theater, Apple, and Lakeville Center for the Arts. IFP continues to be an active supporter as well. New this year is our drawing for audience members. We have wonderful donations to give away, Mr. Jim Logan the screenplay writer for the Aviator and the Gladiator has autographed his book and movies for our drawing. IMAX has also donated theater tickets for each of our film producers and the drawing. In addition to these fabulous prizes there are also movie tickets for the Mann Theater, festival t-shirts and burrito's from chipotle. Admission is $3.00 which is good all day. • Oasis - even though our start has been slow. Our regulars are very appreciative to have a place to hang out. We see a lot of youth who are home alone. The connections and relationships our staffs are making with these teens is incredible. On average our daily attendance has been about 10 youth. Club Oasis numbers peaked at our June dance with 82 students and took a swing downward in July with only 16 Middle School age youth attending. This is our first year trying dances during the summer we suspect the numbers are down due to the holiday weekend. New programs this year include programs in the parks to build awareness, movie music mayhem and karaoke. Our next karaoke/pizza night is scheduled for June 15. • Teen Advisory Board - The board has continued meeting during the summer to work out details for the coffee (beverage bar. The Board and Oasis staff joined together for an end of the year adventure. The morning was spent in service, making tic blankets and pillows for Gillette Children's Hospital, bracelets for St. Josephs and horse out outs for 4H. Then it was off to Cannon River for a canoeing journey. A perfect team and relationship building outing. • Bingo ETAB members joined forces with the Eagan Foundation and the seniors to host Bingo at the 2005 Fun Fest. A slow start turned into a steady stream of bingo players throughout the three day festival. It is a venture worth checking into again. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT • RECESS - This year we began a new program which combined Wagon Full of Fun and Puppet Shows with our outreach efforts and partners. The team of 5 recreation staff visits 7 park sites providing games and activities and coordinating the enrichment sections of our partners. 180 students are registered. This year our partners include; Dakota County 4H, Simply Good Eating and the Library, the Eagan Art House, Police and Fire. ADULT SPORTS • There are 2 weeks left of the summer softball season and then a few nights with make-up games. Monday nights has been the hardest hit this summer. Currently there are 33 teams registered for post-season play. • Eagan will be hosting one region and three state tournaments over two weekends in August. • Fall Softball registration is currently being accepted. The season is slated to begin August 15-18, • Fall Basketball, Touch Football and Volleyball information was mailed out to teams the beginning of July. Registration will take place August 8-12 for returning teams and August 15-19 for new teams. 3 PARKS DIVISION • A major overlay project on the segment of the Highline Trail between Johnny Cake Ridge Road and Thomas Lake Road was recently completed. The original surface had begun to deteriorate and loose structural integrity, negating the potential but less costly benefits of sealcoating. Additional sections of this heavily used trail will require overlays in future years. • Thanks to a shared funding agreement with the High School, surface maintenance was recently completed on several of tennis the courts at Northview Park. Staff is hopeful of securing funding to resurface all I 1 courts during 2006. • Fourth of July activities at Central Park appeared to have once again been a rousing success. A big THANKS to all staff, committee members and volunteers who were involved. • The City oddleven water restrictions are in place on year round basis, exceptions being for those areas where new turf is being established. Because of the size of several of the City systems (some over 30 zones) and the timing of the use, especially at athletic sites, the irrigation systems are programmed to begin in the evening on one day and must then run until early in the morning on the following day, giving the appearance of two days of watering. The reality is that the same turf is not watered on two consecutive days. • The new play structure at Fish Lake Park has been installed. Landscaping and finishing work outside of the perimeter wall remain. • The original play structure at Ridgecliff Park has been removed and installation of the new has begun. • The City Council has approved the installation of playground structure at Central Park and selected a site immediately to the north of the bandshell seating areas. A Request for Proposals has been sent to several vendors with their responses due back by July 22. Installation of the new equipment is scheduled for the fall. • The installation of new trail lights, and security lights, in the festival area of Central Park has begun. • The City Tree inspector has been kept very busy monitoring the spread of Dutch Elm and Oak Wilt throughout the City. This appears to be one of the "up" years in the cycle. Residents who notice decline in their Elms or Oaks should contact the Tree Inspector at 651-675-5300 to schedule a site visit. Reminder, the Tree Inspector does not consultant on home landscapes. • County Sentence to Service crews are once again working in City Park areas through an annual contract with the City. Work has included rink painting, trash removal and landscape and shoreline renovations. • Eagle scouts working cooperatively with the Forestry and Water Resource Divisions have completed a shoreline restoration project at Thomas Lake Park that included both upland and lowland plantings. • A sad note, the very large, perfectly shaped, oak tree that has provided shade for thousands of Thomas Lake Park shelter users and become a site landmark, was recently struck by lightening and had to be removed. Despite being only 50 years of age, the tree had obtained a tremendous girth, due apparently to ideal growing conditions, and was one of the larger in the City. Many of the growth rings were nearly an inch in width. A number of solid logs were saved for future projects. Replanting is scheduled to take place in the fall. CASCADE BAY • In stark contrast to the cold rainy summer of 2004, this summer has seen bright, sunny, hot days with people eager to plunge into the water at the Bay. Attendance has been steady and growing and we're keeping our fingers crossed that the trend will continue. • The restoration to the leisure pool and lazy river has been substantially completed. Only a few minor items need to be completed after the pool closes. • To accommodate for the missed days use of the lazy river in early June, staff will be working to keep Cascade Bay open through Labor Day. This is the first year we have every attempted to staff that late in the season. COMMUNITY CENTER • The Community Center festival grounds hosted the Arts Festival on June 25th and 26th for the second consecutive year. • The 4th of July Funfest was held at the Community Center for the third year on July 1 st-4th. The fireworks display also took place at the Community Center. • In conjunction with the Funfest, the ECC hosted the 2005 Miss Eagan Pageant, June 29 and 30. • Battle of the Bands III was also hosted at the ECC - due to rain, it was moved from the Eagan Rotary Band Shell inside to the Oasis teen center. • The Blast and Cascade Bay handed out over 1,000 flyers at the 2005 Eagan 4th of July parade. The flyers promoted the summer Blast programs and open swim hours at Cascade Bay. • There were a total of 283 kids participating in field trips to the Blast in June, resulting in $1,169 in daily admission revenue and a total of 616 daily passes sold to The Blast, resulting in just over $3,000 in revenue. 4 • We sold 132 ice cream treats, 128 hot dogs, 300 fountain sodas and 75 sticks of string cheese in June. • On Friday June 20, the ECC was the first day lunch stop for the Susan G. Komen 3-day breast cancer walk, bringing in almost 2,000 walkers from around the Twin Cities. A targeted marketing brochure was distributed that included information on the Community Center and Cascade Bay. • The Rental Coordinator attended two free conferences at the University of Minnesota in June regarding generational marketing and changing trends in the meeting industry. • In July there are ten wedding receptions planned at the Community Center. • We just completed the replacement of yellowing lenses as well as the reflectors on all of the running track wall lights as well as underneath the running track lights at NO cost to the city. These were out of warranty but after much discussion and negotiating the company agreed to do the replacement / repair at no cost to the city. We saved approximately $ 8,000 on this job. • We completed the replacement of 16 aluminum anode rods on,all of the water heaters and converted them to magnesium anode rods. This was done to prevent the clogging of the domestic water systems due to the aluminum ones reacting to softened water. • The ECC hosted the Timberwolves camp June 13-17, there were about 70 kids. • The Fitness Coordinator attended a Microsoft Access training and has made changes to database to make data entry easier with report capabilities. • A new program, Athlete's Advantage started in June with 7 participants. • 277 people have signed up for the 90-day membership thus far. This promotion will be ending July 15th. • The ECC staff completed write-ups for the fall brochure in early July with many new program offerings added. • Beginning Strength Training for Women will start July 12th with 6 participants. • In July we signed a contract with MIHCA to deliver Blue Cross Blue Shield's Blue Print for Health program, which is similar to our Health Partners Frequent Fitness program we currently offer that allows qualify participants a $20 monthly reimbursement on their membership. We will offer this to members starting August 1St and we are expecting many people to take advantage of this. • On a non-work related item: Our Fitness Coordinator & his wife completed Grandma's Marathon on June 18th! 5 Date: July 18, 2005 Al,, da Item: F-i;Recreation Program Update rv Action Information x 4~ y City of Eagan Attachments Parks and Recreation MEMO} AGENDA ITEM: QUARTERLY RECREATION DIVISION REPORT TO: ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION PREPARED BY: RECREATION SUPERVISORY STAFF ITEA, 7 OVERVIEW: An update of recreation program-, for spring urril 2005. BACKGROUND/HISTORY: The Recreation staff met with the APrC programming sub committee to share ideas, discuss programming and receive direction form the board during the fall of 2004. As a result of the meetings recreation supervisory staff has been invited to share program information on a quarterly basis. This report is a culmination of all of the program areas including preschool, adult sports, family, teens and seniors. Adult Sports • The spring basketball and volleyball leagues are wrapped up. All leagues enjoyed the playoffs, which followed the regular season. • A total of 203 Men's, Women's and Co-Rec teams comprised the adult softball leagues for this past spring. Thus far storms and water have plagued the season obligating some leagues to play through the week of August 8. • Sand Volleyball ended up with 8 teams on both Monday and Wednesday evenings. The weather has contributed to a number of make-ups for these leagues as well. Teams are looking forward to the playoffs to wrap up the season. Community Events • The Eagan Seniors hosted the second annual Antique Assessment Show in April. Initially registration numbers were slow, but in the end more than 100 items were assessed and the Lone Oak Room of the Eagan Community Center was bursting at the seams with antiques and people, It was a very successful event and the Eagan Seniors do a terrific job coordinating it. • On May 21 the annual Eagan Fun Run was held with more than 300 total participants in the 2-mile, 5-mile, '/z-mile youth Ducky Dash, and 2-mile Fitness Walk. The Commons on Marice also added to the event by coordinating vendors such as massage and other informational booths for the morning. This was a very successful collaboration and it is hopeful it will continue in the future. • Eagan Teen Advisory Board members joined forces with the Eagan Foundation and the Eagan seniors to host Bingo at the 2005 Fun Fest. A slow start turned into a steady stream of bingo players throughout the three day festival. It is a venture worth checking into again. • Eagan Parks and Recreation sponsors the Kids Art Tent at the annual Eagan Arts Festival in June. This year there were four free crafts for kids to choose from. The tent, which is staffed by Recreation Leaders and Assistants, saw over 400 children on Saturday and over 200 on Sunday. 6 Preschool • Preschool staff worked at the Holz Farm Spring Festival hosting a wheelbarrow obstacle course and gunny sack races. • The Annual Preschool Track and Field day was held at the Eagan Civic Arena this year due to inclement weather. The children and the parents enjoyed competing on the turf and planning for next year's event to take place in the arena has already begun. • The preschool year end family picnic at Blackhawk Park was a hit! Over 300 hotdogs were served and the weather was beautiful. The picnic was a great way to celebrate the success of another wonderful school year with Eagan Parks and Recreation! • Over 340 children ages 1-5 years old participated in preschool programs during the spring session, and the summer session has over 340 children registered. Seniors • The Eagan Seniors Program Advisory Board continues to meet on a monthly basis. During these meetings they talk about ways to improve their visibility in the community, program plan, and handle any emerging issues in the Lone Oak Room. Some of their successes this spring have included the purchase of a lap top computer, planning for a Bingo tent at the July 4 Fun Fest with the teens and Eagan Foundation, and planning the first ever member only ice cream social for August. Teens • Battle of the Bands - On June 29"' five bands competed for cash prizes and a chance to compete at the Grand Battle at the Dakota County Fair for spot as an opener for Friday night's band worth $250.00. In addition to the terrific bands, over 125 people, all ages, hung out and cheered them on at the Oasis. The group Y? will represent Eagan at the Fair this year. • South Metro Short Film Festival Eleven films were entered in this year's festival, eight of which will be featured at the festival on July 16th at Rosemount High School. Each year the festival gets better; this year our new partners are the Imation IMAX Theater, Apple, and Lakeville Center for the Arts. IFP (Independent Feature Project - film school) continues to be an active supporter as well. This year there will also be a drawing for prizes including an autographed book and movies by Mr. Jim Logan the screenplay writer for the Aviator and the Gladiator, IMAX theater tickets, movie tickets for the Mann Theater, festival t-shirts and burrito's from Chipotle. Admission is $3.00 for the day. • Teen Adviso Board M The board has continued to meet during the summer to work out details for the coffee/beverage bar. The Board and Oasis staff joined together for an end of the year adventure. The morning was spent in service, making tie blankets and pillows for Gillette Children's Hospital, bracelets for St. Josephs and horse cut outs for 4H. Then it was off to Cannon River for a canoeing journey. A perfect team and relationship building outing. • Oasis - Even though the start has been slow, the regulars greatly appreciate having a place to hang out. There are a lot of youth who would otherwise be home alone and the connections and relationships staff are making with these teens is incredible. On average the daily attendance has been about 10 youth. Club Oasis numbers peaked at a June dance with 82 students and took a swing downward in July with only 16 middle school age youth attending. New programs this year include programs in the parks to build awareness, movie music mayhem, and karaoke. Youth and Family • Thirty-one adapted youth participated in the first ever adapted softball/T-ball program offered at the Eagan Community Center. Many of the children had never played the game before and grinned from ear to ear each evening they walked into the gym. The parents in the program were so 7 appreciative that they banded together to purchase trophies for the kids, which were handed out on the last evening of the program. • Summer instructional programs continue to be popular. Instructional t-ball for 5-7 y,c;ar olds has over 100 children registered in day t-ball and 140 registered in evening t-ball and 90 children are registered for the Eaganettes dance program. • A talented group of individuals were hired to work with the youth of Eagan this summer. Thirty- three staff returned and five new staff were hired for a total of 38 youth and family staff. Staff training is an important part of the Summer Programs. In addition to the regular training program, customer service, leadership tools, handling difficult behaviors, diversity, inclusion and first aid/CPR were offered for staff. A variety of speakers were used including Cascade Bay staff for the first aid and CPR training. • Over 600 children registered for Summer in the Park (SIP) this summer. The long-standing program is for youth ages 5-12 and held at 12 park sites throughout Eagan. Games, crafts, fieldtrips, friendships and fun are all part of this program. • Camps are hot for this summer. So far there are over 600 registrations for 34 seciions of camps. New camps this summer include camps with Mad Science of Minnesota, Ski haN ks and Planet Spirit. Other new camps include a Critter Camp and Nature/Plant camp taught by Dan Newbauer who has been a naturalist for over 35 years. • This year a new program called RECESS began which combines Wagon Full of Fun and Puppet Shows and supports partnerships. A team of recreation staff visit seven park sites to help youth develop a sense of identity and learn how they fit in the community. In total, 180 students are registered. This year's partners include: Dakota County 4H, Simply Good Eating, Dakota County Library, Eagan Art House, Eagan Police, and Eagan Fire. Upcoming Events • September South of the River Senior Expo • Adapted Track begins July I 1 with 18 youth. • Chess camp for MEA break • Fall Softball registration is starting on July 5. • Fall sports information regarding basketball, touch football and volleyball was sent out to teams the beginning of July with registration starting August 8. • Eagan will be hosting the following adult softball tournaments at Northview Athletic Fields: o Men's "D" Region IV Recreational and Women's Open State on August 5-7 o Women's "C" and "D" State on August 19-21 8 Subject to approval ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF JUNE 20, 2005 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on June 20, 2005 with the following Commission Members present: Joe Bari, Margo Danner, Terry Davis, Mark Filipi, 'Duane Hansen, Muhammad Lodhi, Ryan Zipf, Dorothy Peterson and Richard Pletcher. Member Pletcher was not present. Staff included Paul Olson, Superintendent of Parks; Eric Macbeth, Water Resources; Gregg Hove, Forestry Supervisor; Cherryl Mesko, Administrative Coordinator and Lori Kimball, Recording Secretary. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Changes to the agenda included removal of Volunteer Recognition of Friends of the Farm Volunteer and moving it to the July APrC meeting. Added to the agenda, under New Business, was a request that the City reconsider a conservation easement located on the property of Dan Markes of 4802 Red Pine Court, Member Filipi moved, Member Bari seconded; with all present members voting in favor to approve the agenda as amended. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MAY 16, 2005 Member Filipi moved and Member Danner seconded with all present members voting in favor to approve the minutes of May 16, 2005 as presented. VISITORS TO BE HEARD There were no visitors to be heard. SUPERINTENDENT'S UPDATE AND DEPARTMENT I ;'l 2:11 GS Superintendent of Parks, Paul Olson, provided an update and overview of items in the parks, recreation and facilities divisions. CONSENT AGENDA There were no items to review under Consent Agenda DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS CEDARSTONE OF WESCOTT Superintendent Olson provided background information, stating that the applicant is requesting approval of a Rezoning of five acres from Agriculture to Planned Development; a Preliminary Planned Development to create 3 twin homes (six units) and two single family homes and a Preliminary Subdivision to create 9 lots on property located at 1055 Wescott Road. Access to the lots will be from a frontage road along Wescott Road and the two single family lots will be accessed by a shared driveway off the frontage road. There is a large pond in the middle of the site. A similar application for 14 twin homes (8 lots) with private streets and no tree mitigation was before the APrC on September 20, 2004. The APrC did recommend approval of that plan. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of June 20, 2005 Page 2 The applicant is proposing to deviate from the R-2 standards and allow reduced side and roar yard setbacks and lot sizes. The Planned Development zoning district allows the developer to have greater flexibility in the design of the development; the City to require higher standards in exchange for that flexibility. Forestry Supervisor Hove presented new information, replacing the original plan that included tree mitigation. Hove said the number of trees to be removed is equal to the number allowed by the City, so no tree mitigation is required. Discussion revolved around the quality of the trees on site. Hove clarified tree information for commission members as they questioned the quality of trees the developer plans to transplant. A tree inventory submitted with this application indicates that there are two-hundred forty-one (241) significant trees in the inventory. The plan proposes the removal of one-hundred seven (107) significant trees (44.4 % of the total) and the applicant proposes to transplant 6 existing significant trees on the site. The applicant intends to preserve forty-five (45) trees adjacent to areas to be graded. Staff recommended a long-term tree survival plan be prepared by a certified arborist and implemented on all trees with encroachment into the CRZ. Macbeth said this proposed development is located just east of Fish Lake. A majority of the storm water runoff will drain directly to the central wetland on the site. With this plan there will be a higher increase in runoff volume to this wetland, compared to current conditions. In this same area, the wetland buffer is proposed to be only about 15 feet versus 30 feet, as typically required. This wetland will become the front yards to 8 new Eagan households. Macbeth predicted the quality of this wetland will degrade despite treatment ponding of the storm water. Macbeth explained that runoff from the other lots will drain offsite; any remaining amount of untreated water draining offsite is subject to a cash dedication in lieu of ponding. Macbeth told the commission that a professional wetland scientist reviewed the delineation report prepared August 16, 2004 and concluded there are three wetlands on this parcel. All three wetlands are under the jurisdiction of the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act (WCA), administered by the City of Eagan acting as the local government unit for WCA issues. Macbeth described the wetlands as a large one in the center of the parcel; a smaller one along the southwest boundary and the third along the southeastern boundary of the parcel. The developer is proposing to entirely fill both the southwest and the southeast wetland and replace those impacts by expanding the center wetland. Member Danner reminded the commission there were four wetlands shown on prior information and asked what had changed. Macbeth said the wetland scientist discovered that the two wetlands in the southwest corner were actually one. Macbeth shared the submitted sequencing argument which stated "Due to the added consiraints of providing public street access with associated right-of-way to the properties to the east and west, this layout was not deemed feasible to the developer," saying this is too vague and insufficient to rule out avoidance. Chair Davis asked Macbeth to expand on this subject. Macbeth answered that sequencing is to provide a process (feasible and prudent). The actual language used in the developers sequencing plan is not detailed and the city expects more of an explanation of "not deemed feasible". Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of June 20, 2005 Page 3 Member Peterson asked Macbeth's opinion regarding the requested 15 foot conservation easement. Macbeth responded that 30 feet is not always possible but that the city attempts to maintain that buffer as often as is feasible. Member Peterson suggested a variance for the front yard, allowing it to be closer to the street. Discussion continued regarding the street access and conservation easements relating to the property. Representatives from Alliant Engineering told the commission a proposed retaining wall would be constructed around part of the larger wetland to save existing trees and keep the grade from affecting the critical root zone. Some trees will be transplanted nearer to the homes. Alliant Engineering opined that the developer is in compliance regarding storm water runoff. They discussed options for dealing with storm water from the twinhomes; describing their ability to catch the water with roof drains or other methods to bring roof water to the street rather than to the wetland. Member Peterson asked about using the storm sewer. Alliant Engineering said there would be no curb and gutter on the private driveway that leads to the single family homes. He also explained that avoidance was not chosen as a sequencing option because the street between the twinhomes and Wescott road is a required public city street so they were unable to make changes to it. Discussion centered on possible options of how to gain back enough lot space so a 30 foot buffer could still be used between the homes and pond. Chair Davis suggested the private drive that will be shared could be narrowed to gain some footage. He also suggested the possibility of bringing the frontage street closer to Wescott. Alliant Engineering said that would most likely not be a viable option. Superintendent Olson said that the city typically doesn't give a variance for this distance between frontage road and primary street because it affects the vehicle stacking space requirements. Member Hansen asked if there is a drop in the grade on the land around the pond. Alliant En~ir )L, ?-in~g answered there is a 2 foot drop to the pond with 2-3 feet of water in the pond 12 months of the year. Member Danner asked how sequencing and avoidance would be affected if a home was not built on Lot 9. Alliant Engineering replied that it would allow for a 30 foot buffer to the existing wetland. When continuing to discuss storm water runoff, Member Pletcher suggested using curb and gutter. Chair Davis concurred, suggesting that curb and gutter be placed along the driveway on the front end of the property to direct the flow of water to the proper place. Member Davis moved, Member Pletcher seconded, with all members present voting in favor to deny the development as proposed. There was a great deal of discussion relative to how the plan might change to maintain the 30 foot buffer primarily behind proposed Lots 6 and 7. There were suggestions to remove one of the lots so that there would only be a single lot in the center of the development and that the lot should be positioned east/west to maximize the opportunity to maintain the 30 foot buffer. Concern was also expressed regarding the anticipaed runoff into the pond and gutters from the buildings on the site. Chair Davis asked the developers to take these suggestions, and make adjustments to bring the proposal back to the APrC. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of June 20, 2005 Page 4 OLD BUSINESS There were no items to review under Old Business. NEW BUSINESS RECONSIDERATION OF EASEMENT AREA AT 4802 RED PINE COURT Dan Markes, of 4802 Red Pine Court in the Finch Place subdivision, presented his request for the city to reduce the size of the conservation easement located behind his home. Markes said his intention is to provide a better home for the wildlife he sees in the pond, eliminate erosion and reduce the rain water runoff that goes into the pond, which is a Type 4 state water wetland. He showed photographs, describing the 15 foot slope that travels down to the wetland and compared it to the neighbor's back yard and slope. Markes described the easement as mostly dirt with a minimal amount of growth at the top half; the lower half is full of weeds and thistles. Markes said he would like to place a block retaining wall at the bottom of the 15 foot slope and have plants to hold the soil in place. Water Resources Coordinator Macbeth provided a brief history of the subdivision and the concerns that were raised at that time about maintaining the 30 foot wetland buffer. Because of those concerns the Advisory Commission unanimously denied the Finch Place proposal in 2001. Coordinator Macbeth said it is unclear how the buffer area became disturbed because the developer was required to maintain the land before and after development and was required to have a specialist restore and reestablish this area. Member Zipf asked if Mr. Markes has the ability to put a structure or even native plantings on this land since it is governed by the easement restrictions. Member Peterson asked even if Markes is able to change the legal description of the easement, who would be allowed to go in and clean the site up. Since it was unclear who was responsible for disturbing the area it would take some investigation as to how or who might be able to restore or repair the area. Member Pletcher asked if Marke's intention is to decrease erosion or expand his yard. Markes replied that his intention is to decrease the erosion and eyesore of this area. Member Peterson said she believed the easement should stay the same size but understood Marke's desire to improve it. Member Pletcher concurred with Member Peterson. After further extensive discussion, Member Peterson moved, Member Davis seconded with all present members voting to deny Mr. Marke's request as presented based on the need to preserve the 30 foot easement as it was originally established. The Commission suggested that the City try to identify if the easement was preserved/restored/maintained by the builder, as required, prior to the sale of the property or if anyone other than the builder may have modified any portion of the easement after possession of the property. If there is not a definite determination as to which party is/was responsible for the modification to the easement, the settlement of that issue should remain between the builder and the homeowner, however, if the City of Eagan is able to provide advice about how to restore the area (type of acceptable plantings, etc.) they should help to guide the re-establishment of the easement. The Commission continued that if the homeowner wishes to proceed on his Own to restore plantings to the areas that are currently bare, water resources staff would need to approve and inspect any plantings to ensure the integrity of the conservation easement is maintained. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of June 20, 2005 Page 5 WATER RESOURCES UPDATE Macbeth said that twenty residents from the Fish Lake and Thomas Lake areas met Wednesday from 6:30-8:30 with the volunteer lake association to gather information and determine if they want to volunteer. Member Hanson asked if Macbeth had received any feedback from the State of the Lakes report that had recently been available to the public. Macbeth said a small number of comments have been received but most brochures have not been seen yet. OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS 20/20 VISION The consultants recently held more work sessions where three members highlighted what information had been gleaned from the public meetings and research. The goal was to focus on identified guiding principals in preparation of the draft report. The draft report will be distributed to the APrC and be available for public comment following the July 19 APrC meeting. It was noted that the public will be invited to comment on the draft report for 30 days so that additional feedback can be included in the final report. It is expected that the APrC will adopt the report with comments at their September meeting with anticipated acceptance by the Council in October. Discussion continued on how best to get the plan in front of a broader audience using the website, library and other resources. FRIENDS OF THE FARM Friends of the Farm Board meeting included three staff from the Minnesota Historical Soc ty. They discussed preservation and the Friends of the Farm tried to learn what they needed to do in order to obtain successful grants. Member Peterson said the architect from the Historical Society would be asked what should be taken care of first; currently there is siding needs, patch jobs and a tree has encroached onto the space used for opening the shed door. City Council approved asking for quotes that would be sent out for pricing on historical preservation. NORTHEAST LANE USE STUDY Member Pletcher said the NE land use study has been finalized. The final report will be presented to the City Council in July. ROUND TABLE Members discussed Commission member's participation in the 4`h of July parade. Member Danner highlighted Kay Gustafson's book signing that will take place at the Community Center. Her book is called "Aunt Gussie and Grandfather Tree" and based on moving the large oak tree that now stands in front of the Eagan Community Center. Members Davis and Peterson participated in the first round of interviews for the Parks and Recreation Director. Three candidates will be interviewed by the City Council. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to conduct, Member Zipf moved, Member Danner seconded with all members voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. Secretary Date