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06/30/1977 - Advisory Parks & Recreation CommissionMINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE ADVISORY PARK COTMITTEE June 30, 1977 A regular meeting of the Eagan Advisory Park Committee was held at 7 :30 P.M. at the Eagan City Hall on June 30, 1977. Those members present were Chairperson Lundsten, Thursten, Coates, Beck, Brown and Roszak. Also present were City Administrator Tom Hedges, Park Director Barb Schmidt and City Planner John Voss. Absent were Committee Members Cooper, Hagen, Martin and Seurer. MINUTES. Upon motion by Coates, seconded Thursten, all members voting in favor, it was RESOLVED that the May 16, 1977 minutes be approved as read. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA. Chairperson Lundsten stated that one additional item would be heard on the agenda, a ,,tse ordinance to be discussed by Committee Member Coates and itir Old Business item 9 'A Donnywood Park was to be tabled until the next regular Advisory Park Committee meeting in the month of July. Upon motion by Coates, seconded Beck, all members voting in favor, the agenda with the two changes as stated was adopted. CITY COUNCIL REPORT. City Administrator Hedges reported that authorization was given to receive quotations for the purchase of a new flail mower estimated at a cost of $1,400 to $1,800 which would be used to replace a ten year old rotary mower in the Park Department. He further fOated that authorization 2 June 30, 1977 was given to hire Mr. Rich Osgood, an elementary teacher in the Burnsville School System, as Assistant Tree Inspector. This action was taken due to the inability of Mr. Russ Hall to accept the appointment of Assistant Tree Inspector because of other employment he felt obligated to accept. The City Administrator also reported that the City Council authorized the lake testing in the amount of $5 for SECCHI discs as a part of the University of Minnesota program for testing water quality in various lakes within the City of Eagan. He then stated that all summer recreation employees including leaders, aides, tennis instructors, tumbling and dance leaders and assistants, as recommended by the Park Director were given approval by the City Council. In addition quota- tions were authorized for the purchase of a fertilizer- spreader-seeder combination estimated at $600. The City Administrator further reported that the Park Ordinance, Ordinance No. 49, as presented in final draft by the Park Advisory Committee was given approval by the City Council. Park Director Schmidt reported that a shade tree disease program application required by the Minnesota State Legis- lature was reviewed by the City Council and approved for submission to the Department of Agriculture for funding con- sideration. City Administrator Hedges also stated that a letter was received from Mr. Gary Erickson, Administrative Design Engineer for the Dakota County Highway Department, requesting that the Park Advisory Committee discuss the need for a 13 foot berm for the future bicycle trail along the north side of Cliff Road before the cross sectional design for the 3 June 30, 1977 Cliff Road improvement is completed by the County Highway Department. He stated that Mr. Erickson was specifically requesting that said committee discuss whether a trail is needed on the north side of Cliff Road requiring a 13 foot berm or whether a minimum 4 foot berm would be allowable due to the significant construction impacts that a trail would cause as a part of that project. After further discussion on the matter and in a motion by Rozak, seconded by Thursten, all members voting in favor, a recommendation was made to the Eagan City Council that the City Administrator be directed to meet with the Dakota County Highway staff and review the feasibility of constructing a 13 foot berm to allow for future bicycle trails on the north side of Cliff Road and then report back to the Park Advisory Committee at their next regular meeting. DONNYWOOD PARK. Mr. Donald Grant appeared informally to discuss the Donnywood Park issue and stated that he was not aware that this item was to be discussed at a future meeting. Park Director Schmidt informed Mr. Grant that it was her under- standing that he was not able to attend this meeting and therefore he was not contacted about the change. Chairperson Lundsten allowed Mr. Grant to express his opinions and provide history relating to the Park dedication and trail ways tha were planned as a part of the By The Shores plat. Mr% Gr^t stated that he was opposed to the recommendation of some of the neighbors to eliminate one of the trails and stated that there were a number of property owners who adjoin the By The Shore plat who would object because access to his property and access for other property owners would be eliminated if the trail is not provided various several ponds in the City Council would be no objection to the final platting of By The Shores plat if trail accesses were allowed to the adjoining property owners. After further review and discussion with Mr. Grant, Chairperson Lundsten stated that the Donnywood Park issue would be further discussed at 6 °30 P.M. on July 12, 1977 at a Development Committee meeting. PARK DEPARTMENT REPORT. Park Director Schmidt stated that a public hearing was held to consider the upgrading of Pilot Knob Road from its present two lane status to a four lane divided highway status. Park Director Schmidt stated that she was concerned about the plans for storm sewer mains in Country Home Heights as to how that would affect the water level of the pond located in Country Home Heights. She stated that before the storm Park Committee should review the further run off collected in the use. She also stated that there of the Dakota County Highway Department as to the feasibility of bicycle and /or pedestrian trails along Pilot Kntk Road. constructed. Mr. Grant went into detail and historical facts about the water level of the area and also about the agreement between and developer of By The Shores that there 4 June 30.. 1977 sewer plan is approved, the use of that park to see how pond would affect park land is some question on the pz:rt 5 June 30, 1977 Chairperson Lundsten stated that there should definately be consideration given to pedestrian crossings as well as the trail access that has been planned as a part of the Pilot Knob Road improvement. There was no formal action taken on the matter, however, the Park Director and City Administrator were directed by Chairperson Lundsten to discuss the impact of the Pilot Knob Road improvement and Country Home Heights storm sewer improvement projects on the water quality of the pond and also bicycle trails in the area with the engineering staff of the City and the County. Chairperson Lundsten stated that the parks are looking exceptionally well this year and felt that a letter of appreciation should be sent to the maintenance crew for recog- nition of their efforts. In a motion by Lundsten, seconded by Coates, all members voting in favor, the City Administrator was directed to write a letter to the Park Department main- tenance crew providing appreciation and recognition for the exceptional job the Park Department crew had performed in maintaining City parks this year. JIIi FRISBEE PARK DEDICATION LETTER. Mr. Jim Frisbee, developer of the four Oak Chase plats, appeared to discuss the proposed park dedication for the Oak Chase development. He stated that he is under the opinion that the City should not always dedicate park land prior to the actual development of the approved plat. He further stated that Oak Chase is an example where there may be some changes in the proposed park land dedication and if park land had been dedicated prior to development in the case of Oak Chase the City and developer 6 June 30, 1977 would not be able to make the changes that are anticipated. Mr. Frisbee reviewed a letter that he wrote to the City of Eagan Park Committee on May 12, 1977 and asked that the City consider a cash dedication in the amount of $120 per lot for the Oak Chase development instead of land dedication plus all the assessments for improving the park land that was dedicated in the Oak Chase development. Mr. Frisbee explained that by dedicating several lots which total approximately 8 acres, the park land cost is approximately $38,000 consider- ing land costs, development and improvements. £r. Frisbee stated that he has 70 lots platted in the Oak Chase development which would have cost only $8,400 if the City would agree to a cash donation instead of a land dedication. Mr. Frisbee further stated that he feels the assessments are unfair and would like to negotiate a settlement with the City Council. Park Director Schmidt referred to a letter from City Attorney Hauge referring to the Oak Chase Addition park dedication dated June 28, 1977. City Administrator Hedges stated that the Eagan City Council has taken action to direct City Attorney Hauge to prepare an agreement between the City of Eagan and Mr. James Frisbee that will assure the City of Eagan that all assessments relating to the proposed park land dedication for the Oak Chase development wjll be paid in full when adjoining lots are sold by the developer. After further discussion on the proposed park 4edication for the Oak Chase development and in a motio/1 by Beck, seconded Brown, all members voting in favor, the City Attorney was directed 7 June 30,1977 to include in his agreement between the City of Eagan and Mr. James Frisbee upon approval of the Oak Chase Fourth Addition that all land intended to be dedicated by the devel- oper as park land bordering on Wilderness Run Road to be conveyed to the City at the time the soonest of any of the following events occur° 1. Two years from the date of approval of the preliminary plat or 6 -9 -79. 2. That any lot intended to be dedicated consisting of six lots adjacent to Wilderness Run Road be dedicated at any time that the balence that any one of these lots is sold. 3. At the time of the filing of the final plat of Oak Chase Fifth Addition. PARK CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT PLANS. 1. Oak Chase Park. City Planner Voss appeared and pre- sented Oak Chase Park development plan and stated that it was necessary to eliminate the hockey rink as proposed due to the interference with Northern States power light standards which are currently located on the park property. He stated that the revised park plans indicate that a backstop and soccer field are proposed and would be good utilization of the land as it is developed. Mr. Ed Blomquist who resides in the Oak Chase development area appeared representing residents of Oak Chase and stated that a number of residents in the Oak Chase development are requesting a neighborhood tot lot as a part of the Oak Chase park development. After further discussion on the Oak Chase Park and in a motion by Lundsten, seconded by Thursten, all members voting in favor, a tot lot is to be considered as a part of the present or future development plans of Oak Chase Park. 2. Well Site Park. Mr. John Voss again apred and presented the development plans for the Well Site Park, which includes a hockey rink, graded are for free skating, and parking lot. There was consia.tarable discussion as to whether a backstop should be loco. "r_ed on the treatment plant site realizing that if a treat- ment plant site is approved by the City of Eagan, the backstop would have to be removed at a future date•. Park Committee Member Beck stated that she has a particular interest in designing playground equipment for the Ches Mar development which is designed more for junior ages compatable to the wooded areas which are basically located in the proposed trail areas. No plans were made to install a backstop at this time. 5. Pilot Knob Park. Again, John Voss presented the final development plans for the proposed Pilot Knob Park improvements. He stated that final plans are prepared for the construction of a trail and also tennis courts as proposed by the Park Committee. Mr. Voss reviewed the entire development on the draw- ings as presented and there were no additional questions regarding Pilot Knob Park improvements. 6. South Oaks Park. The Planner, Mr. John Voss presented the development plans for South Oaks Park stating that a play area, low wood perimeter area and procedure to rehabilitate the turf in the open park area are the only improvements proposed for the South Oaks Park development at this time. The concept plan does show an addition to the existing park which should be shown on the park master plan and obtained from the developer by dedication when the adjacent property is platted. Park Director Schmidt recommended that consideration be given to the acquisition of five more acres in addition to the expanded site shown so the neighborhood park could be better developed in future years. Mr. Voss stated that the entire neighborhood should be reviewed and it is possible that a diamond, tennis courts or other types of recreational activities would be more appropriate in another area. He further stated that additional land abutting the proposed South Oaks Park expansion is not suitable for park land development. Chairperson Lundsten requested that Mr. Voss examine the recommendation of the Park Director and report back at a future date. 7. Northview Park. Mr. John Voss discussed the proposed development of Northview Park which is the Northview athletic field complex proposed by the Park Advisory Committee. He stated that there are four softball diamonds, one baseball diamond, two football fields, two parking lots for 150 people, 'six tennis courts, two soccer fields and two hockey rinks proposed for that particular park land development. However, only a portion of these improvements would be done at this time. He also stated that the softball diamonds are designed so that a concession stand could he constructed in future years. Mr. Voss stated that the marshland is to be retained as marshland with specific emphasis to protect the trees that are 8 June 30, 1977 9 June 30,1977 located on the perimeter of the marshland. Park Director Schmidt stated that the original plan called for one parking lot with 90 spaces and was concerned about the additional cost of the second parking lot. A1r. Voss stated that with the activities proposed for the Northview Park, it is advisable to add an additional 60 parking spaces at a cost of $4,500. Mr. Voss then stated that two additional softball diamonds are shown on the concept plan which abut the four softball diamond complex. He stated that these diamonds should be constructed at this time to handle tournaments and other large softball events that will take place in future years. After considerable discussion on the cost of the improvements and the location of the two addi- tional softball diamonds, it was recommended by the Park Committee that the sixth diamond be omitted and that the fifth diamond be reoriented to allow a through street for access purposes between the four diamond complex and the fifth softball diamond. Mr. Voss recommended that consideration be given to the construction of a security gate on Lexington Ave. and this was given consideration by the Park Advisory Committee. He also stated that seeding the grass areas within the development could be a problem because there is no water available for that particular development. He recommended a spring seeding in 1978 that would allow use of the facility in 1979. There was no additional discussion regarding the Northview Park development. ACTION. In summary, Mr. Voss explained that the total package as proposed for the five park developments are projected within the $185,000 development package proposed by the Park Advisory Committee. Chairperson Lundsten stated that the park land development is to be financed from the park develop- ment fund account. After reviewing all five concepts, it is generally agreed that all of Oak Chase P ark_Ias not yet been dedicated to the City the improvements would be constructed on a temporary basis by the park crews and therefore would not be a part of the development package. After further discussion on the Well Site Park, Pilot Knob Park and South Oaks Park 10 June 30, 1977 plans, a motion was made by Roszak, seconded Coates, all members voting in favor, that the park development concepts for the Well Site Park, Pilot Knob Park, and South Oaks Park, as stated be approved. After further discussion regarding the changes that were proposed for the Northview Park concept plan, a motion was made by Roszak, seconded Thursten, all members voting in favor that the Northview Park development plan be approved with the following changes 1. To reorient softball diamond number five as proposed to allow for future road access 2. Develop the concept for a security gate on Lexington Ave.° 3. Eliminate softball diamond number six as proposed 4. Control all water shed into the marsh area specifically protecting the trees that are currently located on that property. ;TCRAE ADDITION. Park Director Schmidt stated that Mr. Vince Kennedy is replatting a part of Lot 2, Letendre Addition, from 10 lots to 16 lots and the new plat will be entitled 'McRae Addition". After a brief discussion of the replatting and consideration of land dedication or cash donation, a motion was made by Beck, seconded Rosza?c, all members voting in favor that a park donation in the amount of $120 per lot be collected for all 16 lots from the developer, Mr. Vince Kennedy, upon acceptance of the final plat. 1 1 June 30, 1977 OAK POND HILLS. Discussion was held regarding Floyd Forsberg's proposed development entitled `Oak Pond Hills". The recommendation of the Park Director was to collect the cash donation for the four lots as platted in Oak Pond Hills preliminary plat. There was some discussion as to whether Oak Pond Hills was a part of the Lexington South P.U.D. and if so the City could not collect a cash donation for the plats due to the fact that park dedication has been tentatively approved for all of the Lexington South P.U.D. After further discussion on the matter and in a motion by Thursten, seconded Beck, all members voting in favor, a cash donation was approved for the Oak Pond Hills plat development subject to the exclu• sion of the Oak Pond Hills development as a part of the Lexington South P.U.D. CHES MAR THIRD ADDITION. There was discussion regarding park dedication or cash donation for the proposed plat entitled 'Ches Mar Third Addition'. Park Director Schmidt reported that members of the Planning Commission expressed an interest in having a pond located in the Ches Mar Third Addition dedicated as park land. Consideration was given by Park Committee Members to make the pond area a wild life habitat, however, due to restriction of access and lzck of funding for this type of park, the dedication of the pond area was not considered for park dedication. It was recommended by the committee that a trail easement be eedic between Lots 19 and 20, Block 2, Ches Uar Third 12 June 30, 1977 Addition, allowing access to Well Site Park through the reservoir development. After further discussion on the Ches Mar Third Addition preliminary plat, a motion was made by Coates, seconded Beck, all members voting in favor that a cash donation be approved for all the lots in Ches Mar Third Addition along with dedication of an easement between Lots 19 and 20, Block 2, Ches Mar Third Addition as proposers. NOISE ORDINANCE. Park Committee Member Coates stated that he has expressed concern about the various noise levels that are produced by vehicular movement within the City of Eagan. He stated that he has done some research concerning noise ordinances and after reading the various noise pro- visions that are covered under state law delegating authority to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, he concluded that ordinances are not a requirement for controlling noise levels within a community. He stated that according to MPCA the City could purchase a noise meter at a cost of $800 which is then used throughout the community. Committee Member Coates further stated that the MPCA will coordinate train- ing and operation of the noise meter with the local police department. He stated that the Cities of Minneapolis and Bloomington do enforce noise ordinances and he is inter- ested in continuing his research regarding the feasibility of writing a noise ordinance for the City of Eagan. June 30, 1977 TRAIL COMMITTEE. Chairperson Lundsten expressed a need for a Trail Committee and appointed Park Committee Members Thursten, Brown and Lundsten to serve on a Trail Committee which is to be chaired by Committee Member Thursten. After motion duly made and seconded,, the meeting adjourned at approximately 12:00 P.M. 13