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02/24/1987 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission JOINT CITY COUNCIL & ADVISORY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. February 24, 1987 Trapp Farm Park Building I. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS II. INFORMATIVE UPDATE A. Blackhawk Park h atus of Acquisition B. LAWCON/LCMR Gran'--: 1. Thomas Lake Park 2, 1988 Grant Application C. School/Park Site Sine Plan & Draft Agreement D. Park Shel e:: Buildings„ 1. Blue Cross/3lue Shield 2. Replacement Building Design 3. Sun-Shelter Design III. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Park Dedica,Y_on - Issue of Codification B. 1987 Park P_°ojects - Review C. Northview -:aak - Request to do Site Grading D. Future Athiletic Site E. McCarthy Parcel F. Cliff/Pilot Knob Property From Dakota County G. Explorer - Parks Patrol Program H. Community Center - Discussions I. Beverage/Beer issue - Director 'Co Staff J. Environmental Issues K. Cultural Gardens IV. OTHER BUSINESS V. ADJOURNMENT MEMO TO: HONORABLE MAYOR & CITY COUNCILMEMBERS ALL MEMBERS OF THE ADVISORY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION FROM: CITY ADMINISTRATOR DATE: FEBRUARY 20, 1987 SUBJECT: JOINT CITY COUNCIL & ADVISORY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING A joint meeting of the City Council and Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission was scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, at 7.00 p.m. at the Trapp Farm Park Building to review and discuss several issues pertinent to activities that pertain to Parks & Recreation. Enclosed is an agenda that was developed by the Director of Parks & Recreation after a review with Commission Chairman Roger Martin and Vice-Chair, Carolyn Thurston. The agenda is divided into two (2) parts with an informative update as Part I and discussion items as Part II. Given the length of the agenda, the staff will be brief but informative on all background informa- tion as each item is reviewed and discussed. Since all of the items have been discussed by the Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission and most of the items reviewed by the City Council with the review of Park packets, special memos or updates by the Director of Parks & Recreation, there is no additional support data included with the packet. The staff is spending time pre- paring for the verbal presentation as opposed to the development and compilation of written material. The objective for Tuesday evening's meeting is to provide informa- tion on the various activities that are on-going or proposed for Parks & Recreation. Some issues will require specific direc- tion by the City Council especially those listed under discussion items. The 1987 Operating Budget was recently printed and bound and a copy is enclosed for each member of the Advisory Parks & Recrea- tion Commission for your review and use. If any member of the Parks & Recreation Commission or City Council would like data on any of the items listed on the agenda prior to the meeting on Tuesday, please feel free to contact this office. City AdminisLrat r cc: Ken Vraa, Director of Parks & Recreation .987 cr__ Tom Hedges, City Administrator, was able to arrange for a joint the "4ty Council for thi; L Tt y, February 224th, Mr- ill be at T You an agent which a-c w o v with and Vi Thurston. Also enc' is a copy of a 1 a and proposal "ul` _ prepared 'y C'°-noni¢ The Gar i ii al Garden is tea, 1 items on the ag iz S.°;ted, v ura c ?arks and on KV/bls we February 13, 1987 City of Eagan 3830 Pilot Knob Road Eagan, Minnesota 55121 Honorable Mayor and City Council Members: I begin a promising enterprise with deep appreciation for the cooperation and encouragement I have received from the mayor, members of the city council, the park commission and the city officials. What began as a personal vision and a ors labor of has now the active participation of the people and Lions, without which an idea cannot reach iLs full scOe. The span of time since our meeting at the site of the proposed cultural center, has served its purpose. I have consulted with educators and leaders in the arts, with good results. The Eagan newspaper has shared my ideas with the public. The city officials have had time to mediate on the potential benefits the city of Eagan will derive from our shared enterprise. If the follow-up to our initial meeting has seemed too slow and has (hopefully) given rise to some impatience, I am ready to reassure vou. My interest in this project is too deeply rooted and its realization is too well on its way for my en- thusiasm to wane. It is with deliberate restraint that I have avoided being too pushy. I did not want to be confused with the crowd of people who approach you with strictly commercial concerns. It is important for me to assume that my project will be a joint venture with the City of Eagan. Even more important is my expectation that each individual participant take a personal and shared pride in the realization of a noble vision which promises immediate and long range results for us and the Great- er City of Eagan. Enclosed is a tentative outline of my concept for a CI.ltural Center. I hope it will serve as an impetus to our c .':,i=on ef- forts and be a signal to an immediate start. Sincerely, Anth ny Caponi PROPOSAL FOR SCULPTURE GARDENS Submitted by: Anthony Caponi 1215 County Road 30 Eagan, Minnesota 55123 Phone: 454-4338 or 696-6279 1 NAME OF PROJECT My multimedia sculptural project, on a twenty acre setting, has been known to date as the CAPONI SCULPTURE GARDEN. In my informal proposal to the City of I_ I have ra ref- erence to a "cultural center," This was a tentative ; rking title to suggest the true intent of the project as being more inclusive than a sculpture garden. "Cultural Center," however, has all the trappings and stale associations that my operat- ing philosophy is trying to avoid. I propose that the title of our project should stress the plural word - GARDENS. PHILOSOPHICAL AND AESTHETIC CONCEPT Gardens and sculptures have a common tradition in the history of mankind. I continue this tradition by redefining what was once the exclusive privilege of the aristocracy; to meet con- temporary needs of the average person as well as the standard sophisticated scholar. In our complex world, where man's wholesome being is dissected by his overspecialization, I conceive a place where man and nature come together to evoke a sense of beauty. A place where a soul may indulge in the restorative experience of spiritual contemplation. The realization of this goal is already evident in the manner I have executed the existing work in the twenty acre complex. The most unique aspect of my concept is that I consider the land itself to be the sculpture, the concrete and dirt paths are linear drawings, retraced and animated by every person who walks on them. The rock walls and shaped earth, the articula- ted lines and forms, constitute the sculpture into which con- ventional works serve as details of the organic whole. This principle of organic unity is illustrated by t ~ series of bronze reliefs - POMPEI. The bronze panels, rece- I on a hill- side to suggest an archaeological excavation; thus conveying the idea that the whole knoll is filled with the mystery of the ancient tragedy. That is to say the hill itself is the sculpture. The brci panels on its side serve to animate the hill as the main de- pository of what the panels partially disclose. This concept encourages informal interplay between viewers and my sculpture. Visitors may be walking on what they perceive as only grass or rocks before they realize they are stepping on a sculpture. It is this touch of intimacy and discovery that no existing museum can duplicate. This personal point of view ex- . . 2 emplifies my artistic values as well as my philosophical con- viction as an educator. Art or beauty, should arise spontan- eously from a natural environment. It should be approachable and readily enjoyed by children and adults; by the uninitiated and the knowledgeable. The sculpture garden will not be a neutral gallery where art is lined up as merchandise for the casual glance of the passer- by. It is not a place where art is disconnected from the broader dimension of life and human experience. It is not a place to be approached with "arty" preconceptions and pseudo- cultural mannerisms displayed at art festivals. The sculpture garden is a place for calm recreation, where the casual walker, the botanist and geologist may come upon a sculp- ture, by chance, and choose to contemplate it as a personal dis- covery, in the solitude of his private thoughts. He may pass it by while looking at birds or flowers, or discover another sculpture. He may come back to the first, with renewed appre- ciation. Another dimension of this project is the EDUCATIONAL. In the serene calm of the sculpture gardens, visitors may witness the manual digging and shaping of the ground; the welding, modeling and casting of sculptures in a variety of materials. Having worked on public sculptures in view of passerbys, I have learned the value of community participation in the creation of art. Nothing promotes respect and discourages vandalism more than having a public become identified with a creative project in which they take pride. An artist in residence is an important element of the grand design. Apprentices and students may work for school credit. A sculpture studio is already on site, in its final stage of completion. The studio itself illustrates how a building and gardens fuse together in fulfilling artistic principles and functional logic. Even my home is an original illustration of something built to last and designed to harmonize with its sur- roundings. The buildings and the works of art already in place are con- crete evidence of the philosophical and aesthetic principles I will follow in the development of our sculpture gardens. Even as it stands, the proposed site demonstrates the relation- ship of art to a domestic setting and wholesome living. The aim and scope of this project is to achieve a place of beauty in the City of Eagan that may have ramifications beyond cc-a'. needs and local pride. 3 IDEAS AND CHANNELS OF OPERATION To make this proposal a reality the City Council should put in action its own proposal for creating a foundation to work out procedures for the implementation of our project. Though trustees of a foundation are essential in providing support and financial backing, they may be less useful as a consulting body in the day by day mechanics. To this end, I anticipate the creation of a consulting tee of lay people and professionals; local and non-local. Liis committee should have a representative from the City Council and the Park Commission. It should include competent, enthusi- astic, civic minded persons, i.e. educators, professional artists. In this proposal I do not assume knowledge of the city's politi- cal structure and existing regulations that might govern tie channeling of these plans. I must leave that to your department to advise us. At this time, however, our purpl-'e would be better served if our plans are not inhibited by such considerations. Because this project overlaps other areas of municipal cc -erns, as this kind of enterprise should, I can only address th4 matter from my point of view of practical needs. It s+ i -)st logical and unavoidable that I work in close collaboratic with our Department of Parks and Recreation who in turn defines its own responsibility and relationship with the Park Commission of which I am currently a member. The expected cooperative spirit of give and take among all the people involved should be safeguarded by clearly established responsibilities and ad- ministrative prerogatives. I see my own involvment as being twofold: 1) As ARTIST IN RESIDENCE, responsible for the artistic and socioeducational concept of the gardens. 2) As practicing sculptor and DIRECTOR of the physical development of the garden complex. I see the department of parks and recreation as a facilitator of these responsibilities by: 1) Undertaking the maintenance of grounds, and 2) Providing equipment and minimal staff as may be required or predetermined. 3) Generally speaking, the department of parks and recrea- tion should do all those things it knows how to do best to free my time for doing those things that I know how to do best. If these assessment of needs are too general, I as ._ha oc:_.,- _ on.... x.; detailed arrangements will result from future deli the participants of this joint venture. 4 The EDUCATIONAL dimension of this project may involve student participation working for school credit; young artists receiv- ing grants for working as apprentices. Just seeing exemplary works of beauty and the ongoing creative process is itself ed- ucational, but more specific arrangements need to be explored. I am the first artist in residence and also an educator, d have already discussed possibilities with the President C)" Macalester College and the Director of the Minnesota Museum of art. In the future, the artist in residence may include a poet or a composer. For, after all, our gardens will be a place of inspiration. RATIONALE FOR DOING IT NOW Good fortune, more than wisdom is responsible for the u~,r!!~: ~u circumstances that will enable the City of Eagan to act! _!n enviable goal that other communities could not as easily dupli- cate. Our assets are: 1) The availability of a desirable tract of land, adjacent to an existing city park, with a head start toward achieving the proposed gardens. 2) The convenience of having the owner of this land ,d the artist combined in one person. 3) Having the convenience of an artist with proven com- petence in the broader aspects of education and exper- ience in public works of consequence. 4) I will not at this time try to document my professic-_al competence in dealing with people and in coordinat-z diverse interests in a unified goal. This experi€a_ I claim. 5) The most important thing in this venture is the rea"icy that the very momentum of our city's rapid develop>m2r:1w may get ahead of our planning. The impersonal. forces of unavoidable "progress" may override our best inten- tions, unless we proceed on this task with mutual determination to get it going now. I am 65 years old . . . and "later" maybe"never." If and when the city agrees to undertake this very visible monument in our community, it is of great importance to deter- mine a proper sequence of action and a timetable for its imple- mentation. I stand ready to meet with you or any other city officials and answer any questions. While awaiting your decision, I will continue working on what is now my private project and what I hope you will want to become a public resource of greater significance for the City of EAGAN. MI NUT ES OF A JOINT MEETING OF THE EAGAN CITY COUNCIL/ADVISORY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA February 24, 1987 A special meeting of the Eagan City Council was held on Tuesday, February 24, 1987, at 7:00 p.m. at the Trapp Farm Park Shelter Building. The purpose of the meeting was to meet jointly with the Parks and Recreation. Advisory Commission to discuss a number of issues that that Advisory Commis- sion has been working on in the past calendar year and the location was selected due to the already scheduled public hearings in the council chambers for the regular Planning Commission Meeting. Present were Mayor Blomquist and City Councilmembers Egan, Smith, Ellison and Wachter, who arrived at approximately 8:25 p.m. Also present were Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission members Carolyn Thurston, Joanne Alt, Dick Carroll, Anthony Caponi, George Kubik, Bob Porter, Sandy Bertz and Sandra Mason. Also present were Director of Parks and Recreation Vraa, Parks Planner/Landscape Architects Sullivan and City Administrator Hedges. INFORMATIVE UPDATE Director of Parks and Recreation Vraa provided a status report on the proposed acquistion of property adjacent to Blackhawk Park. He also provided an update on the LAWCON/LCMR Grant Application for 1987 that included improvements to Thomas Lake Park and a 1988 grant application for Blackhawk Park. Director of Parks and Recreation also provided an update on the joint park land and elementary school development that will occur with Independent School District 196 on the former Mueller site located on Wescott Road between Lexington Avenue and Elrene Road. Copies of a draft agreement between the City of Eagan and Independent School District 196 pertaining to the long term ownership and use and maintenance for the elementary school and park land was reviewed in detail. There were several changes, proposed by members of of the City Council and it was determined that the City Attorney would review the draft agreement and provide a revised copy for consideration at the March 3 City Council Meeting. The Director of Parks and Recreation and Park Planner/Landscape Architect Sullivan provided illustrations and background data for btx Fe e (3) shelter buildings including a facility proposed at the Blue Cross/Blue shield Park Facility, a replacement building design and a sun shelter designed to be used in various parks. There were concerns raised by both the City Council and Parks Advisory Commission regarding the locker room facilities that will be maintained at the shelter in Blue Cross Park. The Director of Parks and Recreation stated that the Blue Cross Corporation will be responsible for all operations of the locker room facility and if the concept is successful it would be used periodically by the department. 1 PARK DEDICATIONS/SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE Acting Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission Chairperson Thurston stated that language in the Subdivision Ordinance should be strengthened by adding a paragraph that would allow for the park dedication policy to be adopted by reference or resolution of the City Council. Acting Chi_rperson Thurston emphasized the importance of referencing that docuarert as a regulatory provision of the City Code. Members of the City Cau_u cil and Parks Advisory Commission concurred with acting Chairperson Thurston and the city staff was directed to add a paragraph adopting the park dedication procedure/policy by reference identified as a resolution in the City Code when it is recodified in 1987. 1987 PARK PROJECTS Park Planner/Landscape Architect Sullivan stated that the park projects that were proposed for 1987 have been delayed due to the volume of new development applications received and processed by the city since late Fall 1986. He reported specifically on the improvements to Carnelian Park stating that a neighborhood meeting was held and various remarks from that meeting will be incorporated into the final design for Carnelian Park. There were other specific park projects discussed but not in specific detail. NOR I PARK/REQUEST FOR SITE GRADING Director of Parks and Recreation Vraa stated that the Northview Park Land Expansion/Acquisition has been completed with Jim Curry. He stated that the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission is recommending that an expanded parking lot be approved for construction in 1987, complete all grading for future softball diamonds and provide for turf establishment for the new park land. Parks and Recreation Director Vraa further stated that the backstops and other surface improvements could be made in 1988 or future years when the fields and playing area are needed. Representives of the Advisory Parks Commissions stated that it was their consensus to add this project in 1? and pay for the improvements out of the park site fund. Mayor Blomquist -~d a concern about the impact lighting is causing on homes in the area "L:_ring summer months when the ball fields are heavily used. It was suggested by Council and Commission Members that signs be installed specifically stating that fields will be lighted in future years. After further discussion regarding improvement of the roadway and other expansion considerations to Northview Park a motion was made by Commission Member Alt, seconded by Commission Member Kubic with all members voting in favor that the aggregate surface of parking lot, roadway, grading and establishment of turf for the Northview Park expansion be authorized in 1987 and that payment for these improvements occur from the park site fund further stating the aforementioned action is a recommendation to the City Council for their consideration. Mayor Blomquist asked for any comments and a motion from the City Council regarding the recommendation for improvements to Northview Park in 1987. In a motion by Councilmember Smith and seconded by Councilmember 7 n with all members voting in favor of the recommendation of the Advisory P ' s and Recreation Commission to construct both the aggregate surface and t:>rk g lot, improve the roadway and establish turf for the expansion of Northview Park in 1987 was improved and further that payment would occur from the park site fund. 2 City Councilmember Wachter arrived and participated in the remainder of the meeting. FUTURE ATHLETIC SITES Director of Parks and Recreation Vraa reviewed several locations that were given previous consideration by the City Council, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission and Staff for a future athletic field site. Park Planner Sullivan specifically reviewed a site owned by Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company located immediately East of Lexington Avenue and North of Yankee Doodle Road consisting of approximately 20 to 25 acres. He stated that the topography is such that a different design would be nec ssa,,,y for the softball fields located on the East side of the property. and Recreation Vraa reported that a cost has not been negotiated with Nor e.^ Mutual Life to date. There is some discussion by both the City Counc ` l and Park Commission that if this site is selected only the West half would be developed in the near future. The East portion could be designated as a reserve parcel and developed in future years if the need is identified. The Director of Parks and Recreation also reviewed a 67 acre site that is located at the Southwest quadrant of Lexington Avenue and Diffley Road. Me-ube-s of the City Council and Park Commission expressed a concern over the li:Llting that would be required for ball fields at this location. It was stated that this area represents one of the high vistas in the community as lighting is seen from many residential areas throughout South Central Eagan. Members of the Council and Commission expressed the desire to have the next athletic field located in an area where lighting would not infringe on any present or future residential areas. City Councilmember Wachter suggested another site which is located on the West side of Lexington Avenue generally across from the Carson Pirie Scott building stating that this land is flat and would save considerable dollars in site preparation and grading. The Director of Parks and Recreation stated that he would pursue the total acreage, ownership and cost for this site. Another location was discussed by Staff, Council and Commission members which is an area adjacent to the proposed Stonebridge Addition in the Eagan Hill Farms Addition. There is some discussion regarding the advantages and disadvantages of locating another athletic field adjacent to the Northfield Athletic Field. After further review, questions and discussion by both the Commission and City Council the motion was made by Commission Member Mason, seconded by Commission Member Caponi with all members voting in favor that a recommendation be made to the City Council to pursue the Northwestern Mutual site at.the intersection of Lexington Avenue and' Yankee Doodle Road as the primary site and that a site at Lexington and Diffley be considered a secondary site and further the staff proceed with the cost determination for the acquisition and development of both sites. Mayor Blomquist asked for any further discussion and action by the City Council. In a motion by City Councilmember Egan, seconded by City Councilmember Smith with all members in favor the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Commission to further negotiate and pursue the Northwestern Mutual site as a primary location for the City's next athletic field which is described generally as East of the Lexington/Yankee Doodle Road intersection and that further a second site be considered at the Southwest quadrant of the intersection of Lexington and Diff ley Road and that a cost analysis be made for both sites. 3 LILLIAN McCARTHY PARCEL Director of Parks and Recreation Vraa stated that the Advisory Commission is giving consideration to the acquistion of a three (3) acre site owned by Lillian McCarthy and located between Lexington Avenue and Patrick Eagan Park. He stated that the property might be available for acquistion in 1987 and if the City should acquire the property, the house would be sold and moved. After a review of potential uses for the property and its strategic location in relationship to Patrick Eagan Park both members of the Advisory Commission and City Council expressed a strong interest in acquiring the property as City park land. CLIFF/PILOT KNOB ROAD PROPERTY AC' ~ f°I )N Director of Parks and Recreation Vraa reported that Dakota County has acquired the Burow residence which is located immediately adjacent to the intersection of Cliff Road and Pilot Knob Road in the Northeast quadrant. The reason for acquistion is related to the county road improvements that are cited for 1987/1988. He reported that the county is not planning to destroy or relocate the building, however the only access to th building is through Well Site Park. The Director of Parks and Recreation . d that the Cit y has inspected the building and determined that it could used as, a etcrage facility by local athletic associations which are currently storing- it :'.n the old McCarthy house located in Patrick Eagan Park. Advisory Commission and City Councilmembers asked a number of questions including pliability in the cost for acquiring the house. The Director of Parks and Recreation stated the building will be turned over to the City of Eagan at little or no cost and the building would be added to the list of other community buildings o. the CLty's insurance policy. After further review and consideration a moti n by Commission member Carroll, seconded by Commission member Kubix nith all members voting in favor that a recommendation be made to the City Council to accept the Burow residence from Dakota County to be used as a storage facility by local athletic associations and the City of Eagan. Mayor Blomquist asked for motion by the City Council and in a motion by City Councilmember Ellison, seconded by Councilmember Wachter with all members voting in favor the recommendation of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission to accept the Burow property located in the Northeast quandrant of Cliff Road and Pilot Knob Road to be used for storage by local athletic associations and the City of Eagan was approved. EXPLORER PROGRAM/CITY PARKS Director of Parks and Recreation Vraa stated that explorer scouts will be used to patrol parks at different times during the year under the direction of the Eagan Police Department. COMMUNITY CENTER Director of Parks and Recreation Vraa reviewed a flow chart t., outlining a number of steps that are required for both the Advisory Park Commission and City Council as the City continues to review and consider the building of a community center in the future. He specifically reviewed the tasks, process and product and then outlined four (14) stages which include 1) gather information, 2) secure public input, 3) develop prelin r~-or; outline of community center components and 4) determine/proceed with r<ocufler Lions to further refine the goals for the community center. Member.- Of.' ti-.c oocmissic.u and City Council both concurred with the schedule however directions given by members of the Council to proceed in a slow but forward movement given the workload confronting the Parks and Recreation Department in 1987. The Director of Parks and Recreation stated that the Study Committee should be able to complete the process and be ready for presentation to the City Council in approximately November. BEVERAGE/BEER ISSUE CITY PARKS The Director of Parks and Recreation stated that the consumption of beer and other alcoholic beverages is occurring throughout city parks and that a specific direction should be given as to whether the consumption of liquor or beer should be allowed in the future. There is some discussion rep' n'!__ng the limitation of quantity however it was determined that quantity carir I>e accurately defined and therefore the issue is whether there should .:.d not be an ordinance allowing or restricting the c..,---u aption of al lie beverages in city parks. After considerable input by both Commission and City Councilmembers it was determined that the following guidelines be appl..ed to the consumption of beer in all city parks: 1) beer consumption is allowed in cans or cups that are disposable and non-breakable, 2) large quantities of beer or beer in the form of a keg can be allowed in park facilities if a permit is granted by the City, 3) no hard liquor, 4) no disturbances to be tolerated by consumption and 5) no beer drinking allowed on athletic fields or at events where minors are performing. The Director of Parks and Recreation was directed by both Coma;:;;; ova and City Councilmembers to prepare a policy statement for review by the C ty Attorney's Office and redistributioned to both Commission and City Council. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES Acting Chairperson Thurston expressed a deep concern of the Parks and Recreation Commission about the erosion in new sub- divisions and specifically its impact on pending areas throughout the community. She that many of the Parks and Recreation activities, facilities, trails and other active/passive park land uses are adjacent to pending areas which are quickly becoming degraded by surrounding erosion. City Councilmember Smith stated that City Council at their February 17, 1987 meeting hired the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation personnel to monitor errosion control for each and every new sub-division that is to be developed within the City. He further stated that the City Council and City Staff are confident that this will provide a vast improvement on the problems the City has experienced with errosion control during the past active development years. CULTURAL " GARDENS Parks and Recreation Commission member Caponi excused himself from the meeting stating that the Cultural Gardens issue is pertaining to his property and felt he should not be present to interfere with any conversation and discussion the City Council might have on his proposal for Cultural Gardens. Acting Chairperson Thurston stated that each and every inon or of 5 the Commission and City Council has received a copy of Mr. Caponi's proposal for the designation of his twenty (20) acre parcel located North of Diffley Road and adjacent to Patrick Eagan Park as the future Cultural Gardens to be owned by the City of Eagan. There was extensive review given by both m( of the Commission and City Council. Several comments were made such funding source, concern about limited staff resources to work on this r j~ "~t and many other issues. It was generally determined by the Commission ai City Council that the City should act as facilitator. A prate corporation. ,~houl d be given the task of soliciting private funds and `-n '°`nrmine thn neeuls, arid direction for the Cultural Gardens. It was sugE est _ ' that the City Staff contact the Dakota County for the Arts Society and also that a non- profit group be established to administer the Cultural Gardens Project. Various members of the Commission and City Council expressed a strong desire and excitement for the project which in the words of one Commission member expressed a strong vision for the future of Eagan. Mayor Blomqui-, stated that she was excited about the program and felt it was an opportunity to set aside some property and develop a unique park setting that could offer some regional significance and positive identity for Eagan. Mayor Blomquist also stated that a proposal was received from S&B Properties who would act as a consultant to the project) 1) explore and recommend types of ownership, 2) explore and recommend initial on-going funding sources and 3) recommend steps for helping the Cultural Gardens concept become a reality. After a brief review by both Commission and City Council it was determined that the hiring of a consultant would be beneficial and that different non-profit organizations such as the Dakota County for the Arts should be contact: :ad to see if funding is available for the consulting service. In a got ton by Commission member Kubik, seconded by Commission member Mason, with all members voting in favor, specific direction was given to continue exploring the Cultural Gardens proposal as presented by Mr. Anthony Caponi for the use and development of his approximate twenty (20) acres located North of Diffley Road and adjacent to Patrick Eagan Park and further that third party ownership and methods for financing be researched by retaining S&B Properties as a consultant to the project. Mayor Blomquist asked for direction from the City Council. In a motion by City Councilmember Egan, seconded by Councilmember Wachter, the recommendation of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Commission as to exploring the Cultural Gardens proposal as presented by Mr. Anthony Caponi and as to research regarding the third party ownership and methods for creative financing by retaining of S&B Properties as a consultant to the project, were approved. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at approximately 11:00 p.m. TLH f _ : , f ity Clerk Secretary APRC 6