08/07/1980 - Advisory Parks & Recreation CommissionMINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE EAGAN ADVISORY PARK COMMITTEE
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
AUGUST 7, 1980
A regular meeting of the Eagan Advisory Park Committee was held
on August 7, 1980, at the Eagan City Hall. Those present were committee members
Carroll, Loken, Radl, McNeely, Martin, Johnson, Tilley, Pettit and Thomas.
Also present were Parks Recreation Director Vraa and City Administrator Hedges.
Committee member Thurston was absent.
MINUTES
After several corrections were offered to the minutes, Loken moved
and Carroll seconded, with all members voting in favor, to approve the minutes
of the July 10, 1980, Advisory Park Committee meeting.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
There being no additional items for the agenda, a motion was offered
by Tilley, seconded by Loken, with all members voting in favor, to adopt the
agenda as presented by the Director of Parks and Recreation.
SOUTH OAKS PARK /SOCCER KICK BOARD
Parks and Recreation Director Vraa reported on his meeting with
Mr. John McCarthy who has requested a wood soccer kickboard to be installed
at South Oaks Park and Mr. Gillund, soccer coach from Rosemount High, who is also
promoting the installation of kickboards in City parks for developing soccer
skills. He stated that, according to Mr. McCarthy, there are approximately
twenty five children currently living in the South Oaks area who could make
use of the kickboard. Parks and Recreation Director Vraa said Mr. Gillund pro—
vided specifications for the land area required and design of a kickboard.
He further reported that there are no funds designated for the kickboard in
the 1980 budget and, if a kickboard is to be considered for that park, the pur—
pose of a soccer kickboard should be studied if further consideration is to
be given to the location of one in South Oaks Park. Chairman Martin stated
that he would like long range plans reviewed for park development of South Oaks
Park, and therefore recommended continuance of the item for further study.
Committee member Tilley stated that she would like to see a soccer kickboard
erected in South Oaks Park if the use is intended to satisfy the needs of the
neighborhood residents. Committee member Tilley also expressed concern about
financing and asked that the matter be continued until residents can appear
at a Parks Committee meeting to further discuss the item with the Committee.
After further discussion on the matter and in a motion by Loken, seconded by
Tilley, with all members voting in favor, the request by Mr. John McCarthy of
the South Oaks Addition to install a soccer kickboard at South Oaks Park was
continued until the September 4, 1980, Advisory Park Committee meeting.
Advisory Park Committee Minutes
August 7, 1980
Page Two
PARK SIGN DESIGN
Director of Parks and Recreation Vraa presented three (3) design
alternatives prepared by Carlton Moore, a registered landscape architect, for
consideration as signs to be used for identification in all City parks. The
three designs were reviewed in detail by the Advisory Committee and it was
generally agreed that sign #3 with some modification was the most acceptable
sign for purposes of identifying City parks. Chairman Martin stated that Mr.
Randy Smith, a resident of the Evergreen Park area, was present in the audience
and was in need of a community project to satisfy criteria required for his
Eagle achievement. Chairman Martin explained the rank of Eagle Scout to
committee members, emphasizing that each candidate for this high award in Boy
Scouts is required to commit themselves to a community project and he was hopeful
that the Advisory Park Committee would consider allowing Mr. Smith to construct
a sign for a particular park that meets the City's design standards to satisfy
his community participation. Parks and Recreation Director Vraa stated that
cost for each sign is estimated at $200. Chairman Martin stated that Mr. Smith
must secure the materials and labor at no cost for his Eagle Scout Achievement.
After further discussion on the selection of a sign, a motion was introduced
by Tilley, seconded by Martin, with all members voting in favor, that the Parks
and Recreation Director be authorized to construct a prototype sign, sign #3
as prepared by Carlton Moore, landscape architect, as a model for all future
park identification signs. Mr. Smith then made his presentation regarding the
erection of one (1) sign to satisfy his community involvement for the Eagle
Scout Achievement, asking that if authorization is given to construct a sign
he would prefer to construct the identification sign for Evergreen Park. In
a motion by Loken, seconded by Martin, with all members voting in favor, the
park sign project as proposed and presented by Mr. Randy Smith, an Eagle Scout
candidate, was approved as presented. Parks and Recreation Director Vraa stated
that Carlton Moore, landscape architect, would be contacted to prepare the
specifications for the signs and also to determine the location for the sign.
Parks and Recreation Director Vraa will also send a letter to all the Evergreen
Park residents asking for input as to the official name of Evergreen Park.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM
Parks and Recreation Director Vraa introduced the Capital Improve—
ments Program as it relates to a five (5) year development plan for the acquisi—
tion and development of City parks within the community. An outline, prepared
by the Parks and Recreation Director, was presented to each committee member,
and after a discussion on the proposed capital improvements, a special meeting
was set for 7:00 p.m., August 21, 1980, at which time the Advisory Park Committee
would further discuss the Capital Improvements Program as presented.
Advisory Park Committee Minutes
August 7, 1980
Page Three
RAHN TENNIS COURTS BANG BOARDS
Parks and Recreation Director Vraa stated that an asphalt pad was
constructed to the south of the newly constructed tennis courts at Rahn Park.
He stated that the purpose of this asphalt area was to serve as a return space
for a proposed "bang boards" for tennis players. Parks and Recreation Director
Vraa further stated that the actual construction of bang boards was not
considered as a part of the construction project but was to be built by the
Department of Parks and Recreation. He stated that, in reviewing the design
and materials required to complete the bang boards, several concerns have arisen,
such as: (1) The return board will present a problem of noise and distraction
to tennis court players if the return board is used simultaneously, (2) Vi—
bration along the fence structure will cause additional distraction, and (3)
Concern about the construction of bang board as to its durability under inclement
conditions. Several alternatives to the construction of a bang board, as well
as other uses for a bang board area, were discussed. After further consideration
on the matter, the Director of Parks and Recreation was asked to research other
communities and further determine the purpose and how well the use of bang boards
were received in those communities.
PARK PICNIC
Chairman Martin asked that the Committee again consider having an
annual park picnic. It was agreed that Friday evening, September 19, 1980,
would be the date for the annual park picnic with Blackhawk Park the location.
Chairman Martin stated that committee member Thurston is to organize the picnic.
TRAILS PLAN
Planning Intern Kurt Ulrich presented a draft proposal of an Eagan
Trail Plan. Mr. Ulrich reviewed all the trail uses which include such uses
as jogging, hiking and biking. Various surface materials were reviewed including
a cost breakdown for initial construction and maintenance. There was
considerable discussion on the part of the Advisory Park Committee regarding
design and construction of trails, necessity for bicycle ordinances and various
sources for the funding of trails. Chairman Martin suggested that the Trail
Subcommittee meet and further discuss the Trails Plan in a special meeting.
A Trail Subcommittee meeting was set for Thursday, August 14, 1980, at 2:30
p.m. to further discuss the Trails Plan.
GENERAL PARK AND RECREATION COMMENTS
Parks and Recreation Director Vraa reported that favorable bids
were received for the continuation of Highline /Thomas Lake Trail construction
from Nicols Road to Blackhawk Road. He also reported that a trail maintenance
grant for cross country ski trails was approved by the City Council. Parks
and Recreation Director Vraa reported that the Recreation Department is planning
to coordinate the Men's Softball League which includes thirty —six teams during
Advisory Park Committee Minutes
August 7, 1980
Page Four
1981. And finally, a report was given by the Parks and Recreation Director
regarding the Parks and Public Works departmental involvement with the tree
cleanup resulting from the July 15, 1980 storm.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. in a motion by Carroll,
seconded by McNeely, with all members voting in favor.
Dated: August 7, 1980 TLH
Z
Advisory Park Committee Secretary