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11/16/2009 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission AGENDA ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA November 16, 2009 7:00 PM Eagan Municipal Center City Council Chambers I. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance 7:00 pm II. Adopt Agenda 7:01 pm III. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of October 19, 2009 7:02 pm IV. Visitors to be Heard 7:03 pm V. Director’s Update Pages 3-4 7:04 pm VI. Consent Agenda 7:09 pm A. The Oaks of Bridgewater 3nd addition – Charles Hall, SR Pages 5-7 B. Northwood Townhomes – Dakota County CDA Pages 8-10 VII. Development Proposals 7:10 pm VIII. Old Business 7:11 pm IX. New Business 7:12 pm X. Other Business and Reports A. Cascade Bay Report Pages 11-13 7:13 pm B. Park Maintenance Report 7:25 pm XI. Communications Page 14 7:35 pm XII. Round Table 7:40 pm XIII. Adjournment 7:45 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. Next Advisory Parks Commission Meeting December 14, 2009 WORKSHOP 6:30-7:00 PM Conference Rooms 2A & B • Census Complete Count Initiative ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION 2009-2010 MEETING SCHEDULE NAME May 18 Jun 15 Tour only July 20 No Mtg Aug 17 Sept 14 No Mtg Oct 19 Nov 16 Dec 14 Jan 14 Thurs Feb 11 Thurs Mar 15 Apr 19 May 17 Rebecca Aanning X X O* X Thor Anderson X X O* O* Phil Belfiori, Chair X X X X Jennifer Dahlquist X O* X X Bruce Goff , Secretary X X X X Laurie Halverson, V Chair X X X X Duane Hansen X X X X Michael Palmer (Alternate) O* X O* X Recreation Sub-Committee Natural Resources Sub-Committee Acquisition/Development Sub-Committee UPCOMING MEETINGS: OPEN ISSUES: 􀂃 Census Complete Count Initiative 􀂃 Alternative Funding 􀂃 Sub-committee appointments (Sustainability/Green Initiatives) X = present O = absent O* = notified staff of absence prior to meeting 1 TO: ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION FROM: JULI SEYDELL JOHNSON, DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION DATE: NOVEMBER 13, 2009 ITEM I: Call to order ITEM II: Approval of agenda ITEM III: Approval of minutes of October 19, 2009 ITEM IV: Visitors to be Heard Staff is not aware of any visitors who wish to address the Commission at this time. ITEM V: Director’s Update Director Johnson will provide a brief overview of activities and events within the department. ITEM VI: Consent Agenda There are background memos covering the two consent agenda items for the Commission to review. ITEM VII: Development Proposals There are no development proposals for the Commission to review. ITEM VIII: Old Business There are no old business items for the Commission to review. ITEM IX: New Business There are no new business items for the Commission to review. ITEM X: Other Business and Reports Staff will provide an overview and update on both Cascade Bay and Park Maintenance operations. WORKSHOP 6:30-7:00 PM CONFERENCE ROOMS 2 A & B • Census Complete Count Initiative 2 ITEM XI: Communications The e-mail enclosed expresses appreciation to the City of Eagan and Friends of the Farm Board for the community garden project. ITEM XII: Round Table ITEM XIII: Adjournment 3 NOVEMBER 2009 DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY IMAGE AND SENSE OF PLACE • Hiring of seasonal staff for the outdoor ice rinks and tubing hill has begun. These facilities are scheduled to open, weather permitting, on Friday, December 18. • Halloween Hodgepodge on Sunday, October 25th drew approx. 1,400 people, 20 business vendors for the trick or treat room and adopt a game station area and collected a pick-up truck full of food donations for Eagan’s Dakota Woodland’s shelter. Close to 100 volunteers participated with Rasmussen College signing up over 40 volunteers, Eastview High School over 20 volunteers and Eagan High School approx. 15 volunteers. • Architectural plans are being finalized for the new Festival Grounds Pavilion. Ground is scheduled to be broken on the project the week of November 9. Due to the unexpected need for significant soil corrections, the 2010 completion date may be delayed • The Eagan Hockey Association is beginning a project to replace the sound system in the east arena. arena. This gift is the first half of a project being donated to the Civic Arena by EHA and the EHS Boys Hockey Booster club to enhance the east and west arena sound systems. • Holz Farm Old Fashioned Holiday is scheduled for Sunday, December 6th from 12:00 noon until 3:30pm. Cookies, Santa, Crafts and Hayrides are all planned for the afternoon. • 40 preschoolers attended a costume parade in the Lone Oak Room on Wednesday, October 28th. The Seniors provided many wonderful treats for the children! SUPPORT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT • The upcoming January 30th Indoor Community Garage Sale event begins vendor registration on Monday, November 30th at 8:00 a.m. Based on last year’s registration, we expect registration to fill very quickly. • The Eagan Art House Pottery and Art Sale will take place on Saturday, November 21 from 10:00 – 5:00 and Sunday, November 22 from Noon to 5:00. • The Civic Arena was just notified of a potential grant award of $1.38 million for a geothermal enhancement to the building. More work to to be done to determine total feasibility of the project. STRENGTHEN SAFETY AND SECURITY • Eagan Fire Fighters are once again committed to visiting the preschool classes this year, during the month of November. They are generously providing us with 9 visits, about 7 hours of staff time to teach our participants about Fire Prevention, and getting an up close look at equipment! PROMOTE HEALTH AND WELLNESS • Registration has begun for the winter adult sports leagues, including basketball, boot hockey, broomball and volleyball. Leagues begin after the first of the year. • Starting on November 28th, the ECC kicks off a new drop-in program-F.A.N.tastic Saturdays (FAN = Family Activity Night). The admission fee of $2 per person/$10 family maximum will include gym activities, board games in the Oasis, Blast admission, and crafts or movies on specially themed nights. Program runs through the end of March and is hoped to tame those winter wiggles! PROTECT ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES • The Resident Buckthorn Pickup program will continue as long as the weather allows, currently a 2 week waiting list • Pending Council approval staff will be applying for a Department of Agriculture grant to assist with the implementation of planning and control measures for Emerald Ash Bore. While the grant will 4 not cover the cost of a City wide effort it will aid in control within priority areas. Staff will also be treating priority Ash Trees within park areas. • Staff is refining the project list for energy conservation efforts in City buildings funded by a Federal Stimulus grant • Staff has been taking part in County sponsored discussions with representatives from other communities in regard to a future County wide greenway trail system. FACILITATE COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS • The EAA travel basketball tournament will be held at the Eagan Community Center the weekend of November 13-15. • The Eagan Art House is coordinating ongoing art exhibits at the Dakota County Chamber of Commerce offices. The current exhibit shows the artwork of 15 area artists. • Off-site after school classes taught by Eagan Art House staff are taking place at Somerset Elementary in Mendota Heights, Glacier Hills Elementary, and Oak Ridge Elementary. An adapted art class was taught in collaboration with Shakopee Community Education in October. October. PROVIDE RECREATION EXPERIENCES • Eagan Art House registrations for Fall 2009 are up 5% to date over 2008. Adult classes have been especially popular with 10 adult classes currently running, most at maximum capacity. • The transition to winter facilities is well underway, portable rinks are up, building prep in progress…..spring, summer and fall are being put away. • The Fall Preschool/Youth Dance classes are wrapping up this week. The “Hoedown Throwdown” will be performed, as well as dances to “The Climb”, (both by Miley Cyrus) and “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo”. KUDOS TO STAFF: • 12 Preschool Staff attended a conference put together by SOR Preschool Directors at Easter by the Lake on Friday, November 6. The sessions presented were “Play Skills are Life Skills” and “Music and Literacy”, and it was excellent! The conference had 103 attendees from various Preschools in the area, the highest number we have had in years and staff gained 6 in-service hours. Ideas and Trends learned are already being implemented into our programs this week. AGENDA ITEM: VI-A; THE OAKS OF BRIDGEWATER 3RD ADDITION – Charles Hall, Sr TO: ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION PREPARED BY: JULI SEYDELL JOHNSON, DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION BACKGROUND/HISTORY: CNH Architects, on behalf of the property owners, is requesting a Preliminary Subdivision of three lots to create five single-family lots upon 5.53 acres. The proposal includes a Variance to the minimum lot width for proposed Lot 2, and setback Variances from the Ordinary High Water Level (OHWL) of Bald Lake for the existing swimming pool and retaining walls. The existing house on proposed Lot 2 was originally constructed in the 1800s, and has been improved and expanded over the years. The houses on proposed Lots 4 and 5 were constructed with The Oaks of Bridgewater 2nd Addition in 1991 and 1993. The preliminary subdivision for The Oaks of Bridgewater 2nd Addition showed additional lots in the location of proposed Lots 1 and 3, however, that land was retained as a single large tract with the final plat. The owner is now now seeking to subdivide the property as originally intended, creating two new single-family lots on either side of the existing home, and enlarging the adjacent lots to the east by extending them southward. No new development is proposed at this time; the two new vacant lots will be sold for future construction. The site contains three single-family homes on three platted lots. All three lots are served by sanitary sewer and water, and access is from Bridgewater Drive to the north. The site is zoned R-1, Single-family, and is located within the Shoreland Overlay District of Bald Lake. Bald Lake abuts the west edge of the site, and there is a wetland along the southern edge of the site. The northwest corner of the site contains a steep slope (>12% over 50’) adjacent to the lake. An existing storm sewer pipe runs between the wetland and the lake in the southwest corner of the site. A sanitary sewer line also runs across the southern portion of the site, north of the wetland. MEMO ITEM OVERVIEW: Review the parks dedication, trails dedication, tree preservation, water quality and wetlands issues that pertain to the Oaks of Bridgewater 3rd Addition development. Date: November 13, 2009 Agenda Item: VI-A; Oaks of Bridgewater 3rd Addn Action X Information Attachments X 1. Location Map 2. Aerial Map 3. Proposed Plat 4. Existing Conditions 5. Preliminary Plat 6. Concept Site Plan There is an existing swimming pool and retaining walls along the west side of the site, adjacent to Bald Lake, which are located within 50’ of the OHWL of the lake. A fence also extends along the perimeter of the large westerly parcel (existing Lot 11) and the side lot line between proposed Lots 4 and 5. PARKS AND TRAILS DEDICATION: This development shall be subject to a cash parks dedication and cash trails dedication. TREE PRESERVATION: This development shall be required to submit an Individual Lot Tree Preservation Plan at the time of building permit application for Lot 1 and for Lot 3. WATER QUALITY/WETLANDS: Water Quality City water quality requirements were previously been met with the approval of The Oaks of Bridgewater 2nd Addition in 1991. The entire parcel is within the Shoreland Overlay District of Bald Lake (DNR Public Water #19-0061P). Future development of any of the proposed lots would be subject to City Code §11.65 S Shoreland Overlay District Regulations. Of particular concern is the “steep steep slope” within approximately 50 feet of the lake shoreline, which is most of the westerly boundary of this development parcel. According to §11.65 S, “steep slopes are lands having average slopes over 12 percent, as measured over horizontal distances of 50 feet or more, that are not bluffs.” The regulations require evaluation of possible soil erosion impacts and development visibility from public waters before issuing a construction permit on steep slopes. Furthermore, clearcutting and intensive vegetation clearing on steep slopes is prohibited. Limited clearing or management of vegetation is permitted under certain provisions, however. City Code §11.65 S also regulates grading and filling (topographic alterations) on steep slopes within Shoreland Overlay Districts. Wetlands Because there is a wetland along the southeasterly boundary of this parcel, which is adjacent to Wandering Walk Park, the development is subject to City Code §11.67, Wetland Protection and Management Regulations. Although the development is not proposing to impact the wetland, §11.67 requires permanent wetland buffers be established according to the wetland’s classification. This wetland is classified Priority A, the buffer of which is 40 feet where slopes are less than 6 percent or 48 feet where slopes are 6 percent or greater. City Code §11.67 requires conservation easements over lands with a Priority A wetland and its wetland buffer. The existing wetland buffer area contains mostly turf grass (Kentucky blue grass). It therefore does not meet the City’s Wetland Buffer Vegetative Requirements (§11.67, Subd. 7). The developer is required to submit a Wetland Buffer landscaping plan for City approval. ALTERNATIVES FOR COMMISSION CONSIDERATION: 1. This proposal shall be subject to a cash parks dedication 2. This proposal shall be subject to a cash trails dedication. 3. This development shall be required to submit an Individual Lot Tree Preservation Plan at the time of building permit application for Lot 1 and for Lot 3. 4. The City shall evaluate possible soil erosion impacts and development visibility from public waters before issuing any construction permits for proposed Lots 1 and 2. 5. Prior to approval of the final subdivision, the developer shall submit a Wetland Buffer landscaping plan (in accordance with City Code §11.67, Subd. 7. A. 2.) for City approval. 6. Prior to approval of the final subdivision, the developer shall submit for recording a proposed conservation easement for the wetland and wetland buffer in a form and with content acceptable to the City. The developer shall be responsible for recording an acceptable conservation easement. 7. The developer shall place markers at the upland edge of the Wetland Buffer at least every 75 feet (or a minimum of one per lot). Wetland Buffer Markers will be provided by the City. AGENDA ITEM: VI-B; NORTHWOOD TOWNHOMES– Dakota County CDA TO: ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION PREPARED BY: JULI SEYDELL JOHNSON, DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION BACKGROUND/HISTORY: Dakota County CDA is requesting a Comprehensive Guide Plan Amendment to change the land use designation from SA, Special Area, to MD, Medium Density, for a residential townhome development upon approximately 12.9 acres located west of Lexington Avenue and north of Northwood Parkway at Northwood Circle in the SE ¼ of Section 10. The CDA is also requesting a Rezoning from BP, Business Park, to PD, Planned Development, and approval of a Preliminary Planned Development consisting of 47 dwelling units upon the site. The site is the third lot in the Northwoods Business Park development which was initially platted in 1999. The first two lots west of the subject site were developed with single-story office and office/showroom type uses in 2000 and 2001. Tree removal and grading was done at that time for the installation of utilities to serve the development. Improvements with the initial phase also included wetland mitigation. In 2008, the City was considering the subject site for a new fire station. In conjunction with the fire station, the CDA looked at developing the remainder of the site with workforce housing. Ultimately, the City chose to pursue a different location for the fire safety campus, but the CDA continued to explore the site’s potential for workforce housing which has resulted in this application. The site consists of approximately 13 acres. The property is currently zoned BP, Business Park, and is guided for BP uses within the Special Area land use designation in the City’s Comprehensive Guide Plan. Access to the site is provided from the Northwood Circle, there is no direct access to Lexington Avenue or Northwood Parkway. A large wetland occupies the southern portion of the site, with smaller wetlands in the northeast and northwest corners. The MEMO ITEM OVERVIEW: Review the parks dedication, trails dedication, tree preservation, preservation, water quality and wetlands issues that pertain to the Northwood Townhomes development. Date: November 13, 2009 Agenda Item: VI-B; Northwood Townhomes-Dakota County CDA Action X Information Attachments X 1. Location Map 2. Aerial View 3. Existing Conditions 4. Site Layout Plan 5. Wetland Buffer 6. Grading, Drainage, Erosion 7. Tree Preservation Plan 8. Tree Mitigation Plan bulk of site was graded with prior development, including some wetland fill and replacements. The southeastern portion of the property is wooded and contains numerous significant trees as well as one remaining wetland which was mitigated with prior development, but was not filled at that time. PARKS AND TRAILS DEDICATION: This development shall be subject to a cash parks dedication and cash trails dedication. TREE PRESERVATION: A tree inventory submitted with this application indicates that there are one-hundred ninety-six (196) significant trees existing at this site. This individual tree resource is comprised of a large variety of hardwood and softwood deciduous trees (the majority being oak, black cherry, elm, ash, cottonwood trees), as well as some conifer trees (mostly pine). Tree diameters range from 6 inches to 35 inches, averaging about 15 inches diameter. According to the Tree Preservation Plan submitted, significant tree impacts will result in the removal of sixty-nine (69) significant trees (35.2% of the total). According to the City of Eagan Tree Preservation Ordinance allowable tree removal for this type of development proposal (single-phase, single-lot, commercial) is set at 30.0% of the total significant trees. Required tree mitigation calculates to thirty (30) Category B trees. The applicant has submitted a Tree Mitigation Plan that meets the required tree mitigation. WATER QUALITY/WETLANDS: Water Quality City water quality requirements for this parcel were previously met with the approval of Northwood Business Park in 1999. Wetlands This development is subject to City Code §11.67, Wetland Protection and Management Regulations because there are four wetlands on the parcel. A wetland in the northwest corner of the parcel is classified “Manage A,” a wetland in the northeast corner is classified “Priority A,” and the large wetland in the central part of the parcel is classified “Priority A.” The small wetland within the existing woodland in the east central part of the parcel has not been classified because it will be completely filled according to a previously approved wetland replacement plan of Northwood Business Park. The wetland replacement area for this wetland is at the southerly end of the large wetland. The developer is not proposing to impact any of three other wetlands. To fulfill City Code §11.67 requirements, the proposal has incorporated to the maximum extent practicable permanent wetland buffers and has accommodated setbacks from wetland buffers. In a few instances, required minimum wetland buffer widths were not feasible; the developer has therefore accommodated §11.67 Subd. 6. B., Wetland Buffer Flexibility by including additional buffer area in the southeast portion of the property. ALTERNATIVES FOR COMMISSION CONSIDERATION: 1. This proposal shall be subject to a cash parks dedication 2. This proposal shall be subject to a cash trails dedication. 3. The applicant shall be required to fulfill tree mitigation requirements through the installation of thirty (30) Category B trees. 4. The applicant shall protect the preserved tree’s critical root zones through the placement of required Tree Protective measures (i.e. orange colored silt fence or 4 foot polyethylene laminate safety netting), to 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 on-site. 5. The applicant shall contact the City Forestry Division and set up a pre-construction site inspection at least five days prior to the issuance of the grading permit to ensure compliance with the approved Tree Preservation Plan and placement of the Tree Protection Fencing. 6. Prior to approval of the final subdivision, the developer shall submit for for recording proposed conservation easements for the wetlands and wetland buffers in a form and with a content acceptable to the City. The developer shall be responsible for recording acceptable conservation easements. 7. The developer shall place markers at the upland edge of the Wetland Buffer at least every 75 feet (or a minimum of one per lot). Wetland Buffer Markers will be provided by the City. AGENDA ITEM: CASCADE BAY REPORT TO: ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION PREPARED BY: CAMPUS FACILITIES STAFF 2009 Season Recap Cascade Bay season comparisons ‐2004‐2009 (June 1 – September 7) <70o 70o 80o 90o Days Attendance average 2004 10 31 37 3 80 101,387 1398 3 days closed 2005 2 29 36 21 88 128,696 1462 2006 4 31 41 12 88 128,111 1456 2007 5 22 37 22 86 115,878 1347 2008 2 25 52 7 86 123,603 1437 2009 12 40 32 3 87 95,230 1095 1 day closed • Attendance was well below expectations due primarily to the weather. A survey of other metro public pools and water parks indicates that everyone was experiencing the same economic downturn. Significant decline in attendance was another common denominator as it appeared that people were very cautious about how they spent their disposable income. Local area splash parks that are free to the public saw significant increases in their use. • The majority of days during the 2009 Cascade Bay season have seen temperatures in the mid-70’s to low 80’s with a very high percentage of cloudy days. This combination led to the lowest attendance Cascade Bay has seen since it opened in 1999. Comparing the 2009 temperatures to the 2nd lowest year of attendance (2004) it should be noted that 60% of the days in 2009 had temperatures in the 70’s or below compared to 51% in 2004. • Concessions revenue has declined in all facilities however the impact to Cascade Bay was very significant; 27% decrease from actual sales in 2008. Some interesting changes were: o Bottled and fountain soda saw a significant decline. o French fries, mozzarella sticks and pizza saw a significant decline. o Grilled items (brats, hamburgers and cheeseburgers) tripled from 2008. o Ice cream and meal deals remained consistent proportionately. • While the regular daily admissions were considerably lower than 2008, the after 5 p.m. paid admissions were approximately 600 over 2008 (8,967 vs 8,337). This was due to the reduced after 5 p.m. admission that created a more affordable option to enjoy the water park from 5-8:30 p.m. MEMO ITEM OVERVIEW: An update and overview of Cascade Bay’s 2009 season and plans for 2010. Date: November 13, 2009 Agenda Item: X-A; Cascade Bay Report Action Information x Attachments • Season pass sales dropped by approximately 300 (10%), again consistent with other water parks surveyed that offer season passes. • Morning activities, register-for programs and private rentals were on track with projections. 2010 Planning To ensure a successful 2010 season some thoughtful planning and strategies will need to be identified and implemented. • Demographics. Looking at the demographics of season pass holders from 2007-2009 and comparing them with 1999-2001 it is clear that the age of the audience has evolved over the past 10 years. 2007 2008 2009 2007 2008 2009 Resident/non Resident Non total Resident Non total 18 mo‐5 yr 159 191 42 233 228 65 293 5% 7% 10% 6‐10 yr 779 679 141 820 682 125 807 21% 24% 27% 11‐15 yr 1127 767 127 894 593 80 673 30% 27% 23% 16‐18 yr 196 74 14 88 45 7 52 5% 3% 2% 19‐99 yr 1436 1089 239 1328 925 213 1138 39% 39% 38% 3697 3363 2963 o 19-99 yr – consistent with 1999-2001 comparison: 38-40% o 18 mo-5 yr –Lower than 1999-2001 comparison (10-16%) but growing o 6-10 yr – Lower than 1999-2001 comparison (21-26%) but growing o 11-15 yr – Lower than 1999-2001 comparison (28-31%) and declining o 16-18 yr – consistent with 1999-2001 comparison (3-5%) City of Eagan 2005‐2007 Most Recent Estimates* 2000 Census Demographics *U.S. Census Bureau, 2005‐2007 American Community Survey. Data based on a sample and subject to sampling variability. Population 61,949 63,557 <5 yr 6.5% 8.1% 6‐10 yr 6.3% 9.0% 11‐15 yr 8.3% 8.6% 16‐18 yr 7.1% 6.3% 19‐99 yr 71.8% 68% Target market: Cascade Bay season passes currently cater to children under 10 years old accompanied by a parent/adult. A random survey indicates that pass holders (resident and non-resident) choose Cascade Bay because it is a safe, clean and child friendly facility. They also like the fact that it feels “tucked away” and feels more like a park than an aquatic facility. Philosophical discussion: Is the focus on Cascade Bay geared to attract residents of Eagan and surrounding communities? Is the focus to enhance Cascade Bay as a regional destination? Looking Ahead to 2010…….. Season Passes: Passes have continued to decline and although the value is great commitment to purchase is a challenge. Staff has discussed options of having “added value” to the pass. Our goal is to cross market and to provide options for pass holders on less than ideal weather days. Regional destination: We were one of the first large affordable water parks and were labeled as a regional destination. Eleven years later we have competition from several other water parks and our market has changed. Staff is discussing how to approach the next few years with a minimal marketing budget; go regional, focus on the local market or do both? C. Breeze experience: It worked! Bringing Captain C. Breeze to life and having a mascot has given Cascade Bay a lift in off-season exposure. Staff is discussing how to continue the legend of Cascade Bay and the C. Breeze experience to branch out the exposure with business partners and community groups. Policy Changes: Since Cascade Bay opened it has been recognized that some polices that were initially set may need to be revisited. The closing policy, for example, requires that the facility can close only when the temperature is 62 degrees or colder or if it is raining hard enough so that the bottom of the pool is not clearly visible. The 2009 season was a good indication of why the closing policy should be re-visited. Of the 87 days that Cascade Bay was open there were 27 days when there were fewer than 500 people in the park. Ten of those days had 150 or less in attendance for the day. The average daily cost for opening, closing and staffing Cascade Bay is $5,000. By addressing and comparing other facilities and groups that enjoy Cascade Bay, staff can make better decisions on closing and minimizing expenses. Expenses: As staff looks at changes in the industry there is recognition that technology has changed, that partnerships can be formed with utilities for energy efficient products and that there should be continued review of how the repair and replacement account is used. The focus today and for the next several years will be to continue to maximize revenue, minimize expenses, and pray for long, hot, sunny summers. Subject to approval ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION EAGAN. MINNESOTA MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF OCTOBER 19, 2009 A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on October 19, 2009. Commission Members present: Rebecca Aaning, Phil Belfiori, Jennifer Dahlquist, Bruce Goff, Laurie Halverson, Duane Hansen and Michael Palmer. Member Anderson was absent. Staff members present included Director Juli Seydell Johnson; Cherryl Mesko, Superintendent of Operations; Paul Olson, Superintendent of Parks; Gregg Hove, City Forester; Stella Collier, Seasonal Tree Inspector; Paula Nowariak, Recreation Program Manager; Holly Champlin, Recreation Supervisor; Loudi Rivamonte, Recreation Supervisor; Julie Andersen, Recreation Supervisor and Kerry Phillips, Recreation Supervisor. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Member Dahlquist moved, Member Halverson seconded, with all members present voting in favor to approve the agenda as presented. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF AUGUST 17, 2009 Member Goff moved, Member Hansen seconded, with all present members voting in favor to approve the minutes of August 17, 2009. VISITORS TO BE HEARD There were no visitors to be heard. DIRECTOR’S DEPARTMENT UPDATE Director Johnson stated that the department is finalizing plans and specifications for a new service building at Central Park next to the bandshell to service the event grounds and playground. She noted there will be room in the building for picnic tables and restrooms and is hopeful that work can begin soon so that it is completed in the early spring/early summer. Director Johnson added that the City is working with a consultant of the Energy Conservation Stimulus Grant, valued at approximately $670,000 for energy projects within the city. It was noted that fall softball and football leagues are finished and basketball and volleyball leagues are currently in full swing. Playground replacement is nearly completed with Northview being the last to finish and park pavilion and shelter reservations are done for the season. Director Johnson concluded that the Eagan Skate School is currently accepting registrations for skate lessons. CONSENT AGENDA There were no Consent Agenda Items for the Commission to review. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS There were no Development Proposals for the Commission to review. OLD BUSINESS There were no Old Business items for the Commission to review. Advisory Parks Commission October 19, 2009 Page 2 NEW BUSINESS There were no New Business Items for the Commission to review. OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS Recreation Update Director Johnson introduced Paula Nowariak, Recreation Program Manager who spoke about the Discover the Value program instituted by the Parks & Recreation Department. She explained that it was established to help residents discover the value of the park programs and what they can expect to experience with our programs. Within the structure of the Discover the Value campaign, there were four categories – Destinations, Entertainment, Nature and Wellness with a website established to help residents obtain information regarding the campaign. Manager Nowariak then began the introductions of the Recreation Staff so they could explain their areas of expertise. Julie Andersen introduced herself as the Art House Supervisor responsible for the art classes at the Eagan Art House and coordinator of the Eagan Art Festival. Holly Champlin introduced herself as the Preschool Supervisor who supervises preschool programs, t-ball, puppet wagon and special events at Holz Farm. Loudi Rivamonte introduced herself as 55+/Seniors Supervisor who supervises the 55+ programs as well as the senior programs. Kerry Phillips introduced herself as the Supervisor for adapted programs, special events and the nature and fishing events. The Recreation Staff shared a visual presentation along with stories of programs and participants that reflect the interactive opportunities that have been enjoyed by participants over the past summer. Programs and events covered included MarketFest, Air Force Band concert, Battle of the Bands, Annual Art Festival, Celebrate Art Open House, Annual Harvest of Art exhibit, July 4th Funfest; Holz Farm festivals and events, puppet wagon, fishing clinic, 55+/Senior programming and events, Summer in the Park and summer camps, the successful new women’s running class, annual Fun run, preschool programs, t-ball and tennis. Several Commission members commented on the unique presentation and thanked staff for their consistent quality of programs offered to the community. Forestry Update Director Johnson then introduced Stella Collier, the seasonal tree inspector working with the Forestry Division. It was noted that her main job duties include managing the buckthorn and shade tree disease programs. She is also involved with the day to day contact with the public assisting them with the concerns regarding trees. Stella presented background information and a visual presentation of oak wilt, dutch elm disease, chestnut borer and the emerald ash borer infestations that the Forestry Division currently deals with. She noted that the City has been keeping statistics on various diseases for 17 years and provided charts to show how those have changed. She also indicated that an emerging issue is the chestnut borer that also affects oak trees. The symptoms of the chestnut borer are very similar to oak wilt and can be difficult to diagnose. The emerald ash borer is also an emerging issue but as of yet, it has not been detected in Eagan although it has been detected in St. Paul. She also discussed the buckthorn removal program and encouraged residents to participate in the removal project. Director Johnson then introduced Gregg Hove, City Forester, to provide an overview of the potential of the emerald ash borer infestation. Gregg stated that the last three years have been very dry and have added to the stress of the city’s trees and have left them open to invasion by insects. He shared vials with examples of the emerald ash borer as well as samples of tree bark to show the entry of the insect, the emergence of the insect as well as a sample of the damage the larvae does to the bark causing the death of the tree. Hove stated that is believed that the ash borer was introduced into the area of Michigan and Ohio in 2000 but wasn’t detected by authorities until 2003. The insect is not a native insect and has moved progressively over the last few years from Michigan through Minnesota. This insect was discovered in Minnesota in May, 2009 in St. Paul. Gregg then reviewed options for treating the disease that may be considered it if escalates in Eagan. Chair Belfiori thanked Gregg and Stella for their presentations and work in these areas. Advisory Parks Commission October 19, 2009 Page 3 Finance Committee Meeting Update Chair Belfiori stated and he and Director Johnson attended a City Council Finance Committee meeting on October 6 and discussed the issue of alternative funding options to replace the Park Sit Fund in the future. The Committee discussed different options including a recommendation to City Council for a levy in the amount of $400,000 – 500,000 per year. The new levy may not be made until the State of Minnesota lifts levy limits. COMMUNICATIONS Director Johnson discussed the partnership with the Eagan Men’s Chorus. The chorus performs at Park & Recreation events and organized the “Big Sing” this spring involving men’s choruses from all over Minnesota. The event was a big success. ROUND TABLE There were no Round Table items for the Commission to review. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to conduct, Member Halverson moved, Member Goff seconded, with all members voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m. ____________________________________________________ ____________________________ Secretary Date From: Augustin, Kurt [Kurt.Augustin@state.mn.us] Sent: Sunday, October 04, 2009 6:15 PM To: Paula Nowariak Subject: Lone Oak Days and Community Garden Paula, Thank you for the thank you card and the pictures of my spouse and I tending to the virtual cow. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I would also like to thank you, the City of Eagan and the Friends of the Farm Board for the opportunity to participate in the Community Garden. The experience was outstanding and served as a healthy and fun family activity. I would love the opportunity to participate again next year. Again, thanks for the opportunity and if you need volunteers for other Holz Farm activities, feel free to send me an email or give me a call. Kurt Augustin kurt.augusin@state.mn.us (651)226‐5452