08/06/1981 - Advisory Parks & Recreation CommissionMINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE ADVISORY PARKS RECREATION COMMITTEE
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
AUGUST 6, 1981
A regular meeting of the Eagan Advisory Parks Recreation Committee
was held on August 6, 1981 at the Eagan City Hall. The regular meeting
was proceeded by a parks tour as the committee members reviewed Evergreen,
Carlson Lake and Oak Chase Parks. Those members present at the meeting
were Tilley, Thurston, Carroll, Martin, Fedde, and Masin. Also present
was the Parks Recreation Director, Ken Vraa and City Administrator,
Tom Hedges. Committee members absent were McNeely, Johnson, Pettit, and
Thomas.
MINUTES
On a motion by Thurston, seconded by Carroll, with all members voting
in favor, the minutes of the regular meeting held on July 9, 1981 were
approved as read.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
A motion by Carroll, seconded by Fedde, with all members voting in
favor, the agenda for August 6, 1981 was approved.
OSTER ADDITION PRELIMINARY PLAT
Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation reviewed the application
submitted for the development of approximately 4 acres known as the Oster
Addition. Presently the parcel is zoned R -1. The development would seek
to provide 9 single family lots for a cul -de -sac. It was indicated that
this parcel is adjacent to Highview Park and that if there were to be any
parks dedication it would be necessary to take the land along the existing
east boundary of the park. The director indicated that there is sufficient
space between existing tennis courts and what would become the rear lot
line so that additional parks land, which would amount to a matter of feet,
may not be necessary. Committee member Carroll mentioned that some of the
lots would require fill and need for topographic change. He was concerned
that this may cause some drainage problem onto parks property. After
further discussion by the committee, on a motion by Carroll, seconded by
Thurston all members voted in favor, it was the recommendation of the
Advisory Parks Committee to accept cash dedication for the Oster Addition
and for staff to review grading plans to insure topographic consistency
and the drainage from the development would not affect parks land.
GALAXIE PARK PRELIMINARY PLAT
The Director of Parks and Recreation, Ken Vraa reviewed the preliminary
plat for Galaxie Park consisting of approximately 36 acres from agriculture
to a PD. A proposed plat would consist of approximately 160 units of multiple
family development. Committee members recalled reviewing the plat previously
and discussed a need for tot lots. After further review of the preliminary
plat and a discussion of the proposed open space and park like amenities
within the parcel, a motion was made by Martin that cash dedication, with
the assumption that the park amenities as described by the developer are
included in the plat, be accepted as parks dedication seconded by Tilley,
Advisory Park Committee Minutes
August 6, 1981
Page 2
all voted in favor.
PLAY PERIMETER POLICY
Chairman Martin reviewed for members of the committee the play perimeter
policy that was requested at the July meeting. Member Thurston questioned
the need for clear distinction between the maintenance areas that a
bordered play lot would provide and that was not mentioned in the policy.
In response to a question the Director of Parks and Recreation responded
that resilient surfaces of synthetic nature is being used in several locations
that there application is somewhat limited and is dependent upon several
different factors. Member Tilley questioned that wood chip bark seemed
inappropriate because this material can be sharp and provide some problems.
The director indicated that bark, which is pure in form, has been used
successfully in some locations for soft material He further explained
that it was the intent of the wording to indicate that a soft surface
should be installed and not necessarily that it should require one of these
three as mentioned. Committee member Tilley indicated that perhaps the
wording should be changed to read that the surface type should consist of
material "such as'.' After further discussion of the play perimeter policy
on a motion by Carroll, seconded by Masin, motion to accept the play perimeter
policy as amended was made. All voted in favor to adopt the play perimeter
policy.
PARKS DEDICATION FEE
Chairman Martin briefly reviewed the recent history of this issue.
After review of recent land sales reported to the committee, they tried to
determine what an average of sales were for 1981. It was calculated that
the average 1981 sales, as reported, was $10,430. Martin indicated that
projection of land sales a year from now might be as high as $11,000 an
acre, that these are very large tracts of land which might be purchased
at a smaller cost per acre than smaller parcels that the City might buy
for parks purposes. In response to a question the director indicated that
the per -cent of increase from $7,500 to $8,500 in cash dedication fees is
13%. Chairman Martin indicated that the committee is looking at an 18
month period from the last time there was a fee increase in dedication,
plus projecting ahead another 6 months before a fee would go into effect.
Discussion by the committee focused on the park needs of the community and
that the existing residents should not necessarily have to pay the costs
for acquisition and development of parks because of development pressures
from a growing population. Committee member Carroll mentioned that with
the recent trend toward multiple housing and increased population over
single family housing, may mean park land will have to be purchased with
that zoning, and may have to be purchased at a higher cost than single
family zoning.After lengthy discussion and review of the cash fees at
various levels of acreage costs, Chairman Martin indicated that he felt
it would be appropriate that the committee begin to list the reasons for
its recommendation for parks cash dedication increase. The following list
Advisory Park Committee Minutes
August 6, 1981
Page 3
was prepared by the committee with discussion following on each item.
1. Because existing land sales figures are for large parcels of land,
the price per acre may be somewhat lower than could be purchased
in smaller parcels, such as might be acquired for parks purposes.
2. That there has been no increase in parks dedication since April
of 1980 and that it was necessary to project ahead from August
of 1981 to January of 1982 which would be effective through all
of 1982 or for a period of approximately 32 months.
3. That the average cost of land in 1981, by the chart shown, was
$10,433 an acre.
4. That the multiple housing trend and the increase of residential
pressures and cost of land zoned multiple. That the most recent
parks acquisition was at $10,000 an acre.
5. To insure funding for future park acquisition as identified in
the comprehensive plan, because park bonding may not be assured.
6. To keep up with the inflationary market and sustain the cash
dedication requirements at a level consistent with the purchase,
that the park dedication fees be increased.
On a motion by Fedde, seconded by Masin, that a cash dedication fee
based on $10,500 per acre. A discussion by the committee concerning the
motion followed. On the call for the motion there were 3 ay's and 3 no's.
The motion failed. There followed a motion by Thurston, seconded by
Martin, that the cash dedication fees be based on $10,000 per acre. The
committee briefly discussed the presentation of this recommendation to
the City Council, and directed the Director of Parks and Recreation to
prepare the necessary materials for council review. It was indicated
that this recommendation would be one that should take effect in January
of 1982.
NAME OF THE NEW VICE CHAIRPERSON
Chairman Martin explained with the absence of Jean Loken, that an
individual should be appointed to the position of vice chairperson. He
announced that nominations for the position was now open. The name of
Carolyn Thurston was offered for this position. There being no further
nominations Dick Carroll moved, seconded by Fedde, all in favor that the
nominations be closed and that a unanimous ballot for Carolyn Thurston
for the position of Vice chairperson be cast. The chairman indicated
that now that Carolyn Thurston now held this position that the position
of secretary for the committee was now open and that nominations for the
filling of this position would now be taken. A nomination for Dick Carroll,
seconded by Tilley. A second nomination for Dick Pettit, with second by
Mike Fedde. Motion by Fedde to close, seconded by Thurston, of the nomi-
nations for position of secretary. A secret ballot was made and Dick
Carroll was appointed as secretary for the Advisory Parks and Recreation
Committee for the remainder of 1982.
Advisory Parks Committee Minutes
August 6, 1981
Page 4
BUDGET /C. I.P.
The Director of Parks and Recreation reviewed for the Advisory Parks
Committee members the proposed department budget which had been submitted
to the City Administrator for review. The director highlighted major
aspects of the budget and answered each item request. In review of the
capital equipment expenditures requested, the director indicated that the
request was being made for $7,500 with which to purchase additional play-
ground equipment, picnic tables, and benches to be distributed within the
park system. The director also indicated that a request was being made
for $1,600 for parks signs. In response to a question the director said
that anticipated revenues from 1981 to 1982 would be expected to increase
approximately $5,000. This is largely a result of the adult athletic
programs being offered in the community at this time. The City Administrator
reviewed the status of the City wide budget encompassing all the various
departments. The Advisory Committee had several questions regarding the
budget. No action requested or taken concerning this item. The Director
of Parks and Recreation further reviewed the proposed park improvement
fund or C.I.P. from 1982 through 1986 for the parks advisory committee.
He explained to the new members on the committee the purpose of the parks
improvement site acquisition fund and its implication in the City. The
director further indicated the various notations on the C.I.P. and indicated
that major changes had occurred in three areas. He further indicated that
as previously determined in the City Comprehensive Guide plan the City will
require approximately 3.4 million dollars over the next five years to
complete its parks program of which approximately $300,000 will be re-
quired for acquisition purposes alone. In response to a question from
Chairman Martin the director indicated that revenues from parks dedication
could be expected to bring in approximately $150,000 to $200,000 in the
next three to four years based on known plats or P.U.D. agreements. Chairman
Martin requested that in the future it would be desirable for the committee
to have other breakdowns on the numbers by category and ask that if this
could be done it would be beneficial.
NATIONAL PARKS AND RECREATION CONFERENCE
Committee members discussed the National Parks and Recreation Conference
which will be in Minneapolis, October of 1981. Committee members reviewed
the list of conference sessions that would be available during the five days
of the conference. The director indicated that funding would allow for 4
single days admission by committee members. Members Carroll, Tilley, Thurston
and Masin indicated an interest to attend the conference. Member Thurston
indicated that she thought that Dick Pettit had also expressed an interest
in attending. After initial discussion it was indicated that there was a
method in which an additional two days for members wishing to attend the
conference could be made available. The director was requested to pursue
this to allow as many of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Committee to
attend this National Conference on a one day basis.
Advisory Parks Committee Minutes
August 6, 1981
Page 5
Committee members reviewed the minutes of the park plan meeting of
July 22. Committee member Carroll inquired as to if it was feasible
that the City might do a co- operative sharing of responsibilities with
an outside consultant with the development of the plan. Chairman Martin
indicated that the parks committee might be able to do the initial survey
work as well as providing data that is currently available within the
City. In further discussion by the committee it was agreed that the
sub committee would meet on Wednesday, August 19th at 4:30 P.M. The
Director of Parks and Recreation was requested to secure copies of
recent master plans completed in other communities for review and to
arrange for a parks consultant for the purposes of discussion of the
intricacies of a master plan and processes involved.
Dated: August 6, 1981
MINUTES OF MASTER PARKS PLAN MEETING
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business on a motion by Masin, seconded by
Carroll, the meeting of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Committee
adjourned at 10:10 P.M.
KV
Advisory Park Recreation Committee
Secretary