01/08/1981 - Advisory Parks & Recreation CommissionMINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE EAGAN ADVISORY PARK RECREATION COMMITTEE
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
JANUARY 8, 1981
A regular meeting of the Eagan Advisory Park Recreation Committee
was held on January 8, 1981, at the Eagan City Hall. Those present were:
Committee members Tilley, Carroll, Pettit, Johnson, McNeely, Thurston, Loken
and Martin. Also present were Park Recreation Director Vraa, City Planner
Runkle, and City Administrator Hedges. Committee members Radl and Thomas were
absent.
MINUTES
In a motion by Carroll, seconded by Pettit, with all members voting
in favor, the minutes of the regular meeting held on November 6, 1980 were
approved. Special Note: There was not a quorum present for the December 4,
1980 scheduled meeting and, therefore, the regular meeting for the month of
December 1980 was never conducted.
AGENDA
In a motion by Loken, seconded by McNeely, with all members voting
in favor, the agenda for the January 8, 1981 Advisory Park Recreation Committee
meeting was approved.
BLUE CROSS /BLUE SHIELD MINNESOTA
City Planner Runkle explained the proposal presented by Blue Cross/
Blue Shield of Minnesota to rezone approximately 120 acres from agriculture
to planned development. The City Planner further stated that a twelve acre
active park is proposed in the southwest corner of the undeveloped portion of
the site which is consistent with the location proposed in the Comprehensive
Guide Plan. Blue Cross /Blue Shield of Minnesota is proposing to dedicate 7.78
acres which is 10% of the 77.8 total acres to be developed; and, therefore,
the remaining 4.22 acres would need to be purchased by the City of Eagan if
the entire twelve acre active park is to be developed. Committee members stated
that the original Comprehensive Guide Plan shows the proposed land use as
entirely residential which would provide a minimum of twelve acres for park
land. They further stated that, due to the proposed land use change to limited
business, less park land dedication is considered. It was suggested by the
Committee members that the twelve acres active park land be dedicated as proposed
in the Comprehensive Guide Plan by Blue Cross /Blue Shield of Minnesota whether
the development is entirely residential or partially rezoned to limited business.
After further discussion on the matter and in a motion by Thurston, seconded
by Pettit, with all members voting in favor, the Advisory Park Committee is
recommending to the City Council that a twelve acre active park be located in
the southwest corner of the undeveloped portion of the site which more
specifically adjoins Blackhawk Road, Blue Cross Road and the Timberline Addition.
Park Committee Minutes
January 8, 1981
Page Two
COMMUNITY EDUCATION UPDATE SCHOOL DISTRICT #196
Director of Parks and Recreation Vraa introduced Colleen McCarty,
a representative of the Community Education Department from School District
#196, who provided an update and overview of the various programs and activities
provided through their community education program. A slide presentation was
shown to inform what programs are offered by the Community Education Department.
Committee members expressed their interest in the presentation and stated the
information is helpful in formulating programs and activities for the Recreation
Department. There was no action taken.
PARKS RECREATION COMMITTEE OBJECTIVES
Chairperson Martin discussed the procedure to handle the review
and formulation of Parks and Recreation Committee objectives. He stated he
would like an outline of objectives as prepared by each member of the committee.
He then suggested a meeting at which the committee could discuss their objectives
and eventually share them with the City Council. A subcommittee to discuss
the various committee objectives was then designated by the Chairperson who
appointed Committee members Loken, Johnson, Thurston and himself to meet with
the Parks and Recreation Director and other appropriate City staff.
MATCHING GIFTS POLICY
Director of Parks and Recreation Vraa suggested a policy to handle
the monetary contributions to the City for the purpose of purchasing equipment
in various City parks. He specifically stated that the River Hills Ninth Addi-
tion had provided money to the City to help match the cost for purchase of
various park land equipment. Parks Recreation Director Vraa stated that a
proposal was recently offered by the South Oaks Addition; and, therefore, it
is recommended that a matching contribution policy for development of park lands
be written as a policy statement.
RIDGECLIFFE PARK
Director of Parks and Recreation Vraa stated that U. S. Homes (Orrin
Thompson Homes) has offered to perform the rough grading and seeding of Ridge
cliffe Park as a part of the development agreement during the construciton season
1981. He stated that it would be advantageous to the City if a park plan layout
was prepared so the grading plan can compliment the layout plan so the park
is graded in a suitable manner for active park land development in future years.
Members of the Parks Recreation Committee stated that a master plan for
development is needed for not only Ridgecliffe Park but all undeveloped parks
in the City of Eagan. Vraa recommended that the City interview and hire a
consultant to perform a park development plan for Ridgecliffe Park if the
procedure is accepted by the City Council. After further discussion on the
matter and in a motion by Loken, seconded by Pettit, with all members voting
in favor, action was taken to recommend to the City Council authorization to
select and retain a consultant to prepare a preliminary development plan for
Ridgecliffe Park to allow for proper grading and seeding by U. S. Homes during
the early summer months of 1981.
Park Committee Minutes
January 8, 1981
Page Three
TRAILS PLAN /BICYCLES
Director of Parks and Recreation Vraa asked that a special meeting
be set to review the draft plan for the bicycle trails. Chairperson Martin
set Wednesday, January 14, 1981, at 11:30 a.m. in the office of the City
Administrator as a special meeting date to discuss the master bicycle trails
plan.
WINTER RECREATION UPDATE
Parks and Recreation Director Vraa discussed the condition of the
rinks, stating that in many cases providing a level ice surface has become a
problem. He also stated that the tanker in inadequate to haul water which has
also created a problem in the efforts to provide a good ice surface. Vraa did
compliment the crews for their attitude in establishing ice at the free skating
and hockey rinks, stating that their dedication during the past several weeks
was outstanding. He further stated that boot skating has become popular,
creating some scheduling problems for the hockey rinks. There was no action
taken on this matter.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at
approximately 9:30 p.m.
Dated: January 8, 1981 TLH
Secretary
Advisory Parks Recreation Committee