02/04/1982 - Advisory Parks & Recreation CommissionMINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMI1 "1'EE
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
FEBRUARY 4, 1982
A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Committee was held on
February 4, 1982 at the Eagan City Hall. Members present were Martin, Schumaker,
Thurston, Carroll, Masin, Fedde, Johnson, McNeely and Tilley. Absent was
Tom Gustafson. Also present was the Planning Director and Director of Parks
and Recreation. In the absence of Tom Gustafson, Mrs. Gustafson was avail-
able to take notes.
MINUTES
Committee member Masin pointed out a typographical error in the December 10,
1981 minutes. There being no other further corrections a motion by McNeely,
seconded by Masin, the minutes of December 10, 1981 were approved unanimously.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
The Director of Parks and Recreation requested that three additional infor-
mational items be added to the agenda under Other Business /Reports. There
being no other further additions or corrections a motion by Carroll, seconded
by Johnson the agenda for February 4, 1982 was approved.
COMMII°1'EE ORGANIZATIONS
The Director of Parks and Recreation assumed the chair for the election of
the chairperson for the ensuing year. On a motion by Thurston, seconded by
Carroll, Roger Martin was nominated. On a motion by Martin, seconded by
Fedde, Carolyn Thurston was nominated. On a motion by Fedde, seconded by
McNeely nominations were closed. With the conclusion of the secret ballot,
Roger Martin was elected chairperson for the Advisory Parks and Recreation
Committee for the year 1982.
Chairman Martin then assumed the responsibility of the chair and moved on to
the election of the vice chairperson. On a motion by Carroll, seconded by
Masin, Carolyn Thurston was nominated. On a motion by Fedde, seconded by
McNeely, Richard Carroll was nominated. Nominations were closed and after
a secret ballot Carolyn Thurston was elected vice chairperson for the Advisory
Parks and Recreation Committee for the year 1982.
Nominations for secretary were then opened. On a motion by Martin, seconded
by Thurston, Richard Carroll was nominated. There being no additional nomina-
tions Mr. Carroll was elected secretary by unanimous consent.
After discussion, the Advisory Parks and Recreation Committee agreed to meet
the first Thursday of the month at 7 :00 P.M. as the scheduled meeting date
of the Advisory Committee for 1982.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
The Advisory Parks and Recreation Committee discussed the need for an appoint-
ment to committees for the ensuing year. Development Committee: Chaired by
Thurston with Masin, McNeely, Carroll, Fedde and Martin. Park Names: Chaired
by Tilley with Carroll, Johnson and Masin. Teen Program study committee: Chaired
Advisory Parks F Recreation Committee Minutes
February 4, 1982
Page 2
by McNeely with Thurston and Gustafson. Trails Committee: Chaired by Carroll
with McNeely, Masin and Thurston. Recreation Committee: Chaired by Fedde
with Gustafson, Thurston and Schumaker.
HILLTOP CONDOMINIUMS
The Director of Parks and Recreation reviewed for the committee the past
history of the Hilltop Development under Dunn and Curry. He indicated that
the commitment from the developer of previous parks dedication requirements
were on a 84 acre parcel which this preliminary plat is included. He stated
that the consideration of the Advisory Committee should be for the placement
of the trail from Berry Ridge Road south to County Road 30. He then reviewed
the options of available to the Advisory Committee for the placement of this
trail. A spokesman for Developers Construction indicated that it was the
desire of the development to obtain and maintain the existing characteristic
trees and topography and that the development was proposed to minimize the
impact upon it. He indicated that their preference would be for alternate
three that was presented by the Director of Parks and Recreation as having
the least amount of impact on the site. The committee members questioned
the topography of the site at present and how the change in topography
would affect a possible trail adjacent to the cattail marsh on the east.
A resident home owner indicated his desire to maintain the permanent trail
on top of the temporary trail location. A question was then raised as
what would happen to the existing trail on top of the sanitary sewer easement.
It was explained that a portion of the easement would be overlaid by the
private road into the development, a parking area, and that vegetation
would be allowed to grow back over the now disrupted soils. In response
to a question the director indicated that the type contours along the pond
would approximate the slope of nearly two to one. Chairman Martin indicated
that the committee should discuss whether it was the objective to provide
a recreational trail or transportational trail for the overall needs of this
neighborhood area. After further discussion and location of the park amenities
within the area, on a motion by Martin, seconded by Carroll, it was the recommen-
dation of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Committee to the City Council that
a 6 foot asphalt trail be installed to the west of the proposed road extending
from Berry Ridge Road to County Road 30. All voted in favor.
MID- CONTINENT BUILDEPS COUNTRY GLEN CONDOMINIUMS
Planning Director, Runkle reviewed the preliminary plat indicating the location,
number of units, unit densities, and the location of the Coachman Park in this
park service area. In response to a question from the Advisory Committee Mr.
Runkle indicated that it was the intent of the developer to provide for a
swimming pool and volley ball or open space play area. Committee member Carroll
questioned the need for a sidewalk or pedestrian trail within the development
because of the densities and location of the park. There followed a discussion
by the Advisory Committee on this issue leading to the overall need for trails
and potential crossing areas within the neighborhood park service section. A
motion by Masin, seconded by Thurston, it was the recommendation of the Advisory
Parks and Recreation Committee to accept cash dedication for each unit at time
of final plat and that a single tot -lot be provided. Further, the developer
provide an asphalt trail on the west side of Coachman Road extending from
Advisory Parks F Recreation Committee Minutes
February 4, 1982
Page 3
Lentendre to the southern limits of the proposed plat. A motion was approved
unanimously. It was also noted by the Advisory Committee that it was their
understanding that the developer would still provide for a swimming pool
and volley ball area for the condominium residents.
JAMES PLANTENBERG'S REQUEST FOR EASEMENT OAK CHASE PARK
Mr. James Plantenberg and Mr. Arnold Carlson were present to request an
easement across a portion of Oak Chase Park to facilitate a road access
into the property owned by Mr. Plantenberg. The Director of Parks and
Recreation briefly reviewed the request for the Advisory Committee indicating
that this item has previously been reviewed by the committee and that Mr.
Plantenberg had researched the questions recently raised by the Advisory
Committee. Mr. Plantenberg stated that he had spoken with Dakota Electric
and that it would cost approximately $2,500.00 to relocate the electrical
box which is near the road access. He indicated that he would need approxi-
mately 300 square feet of easement in a triangular shape of 20' x 30' x 40'.
He presented a rough drawing showing the location of the triangle to the
Advisory Committee for review. Mr. Arnold Carlson was present and indicated
that he had sold the property to Mr. Plantenberg and he felt that the City
should provide this roadway easement because of his past granting of a
utility easement to the City. Chairman Martin indicated that the committee
has resisted this type of request in the past and that the action of the
Advisory Committee should not be considered to be a precedent setting if
it should decide in Mr. Plantenberg's favor. Mr. McNeely indicated that the
significance of this triangular piece was minor in nature and does not present
a hardship to the City. After further discussion by the Advisory
Committee, on a motion by Thurston, seconded by McNeely, it was the recommen-
dation of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Committee to the City Council
that an access easement previously described be granted to Mr. Plantenberg.
And, that the survey cost and legal cost associated with this easement be
the responsibility of Mr. Plantenberg. And, that this motion is being
offered due to the unusual and extraordinary circumstance of topography,
vegetation, and lack of any alternatives. This motion is not a precedent
by the Advisory Committee. All voted in favor, Chairman Martin abstaining.
MATCHING GIFTS POLICY
Chairman Martin asked the Director of Parks and Recreation to review for the
new members of the Advisory Committee this item. The Director of Parks and
Recreation indicated that this had come as a result of a discussion made in
1980 by the Advisory Committee for a policy procedure to deal with requests
from neighborhood groups for the City to match gifts. After a review of the
positive and negative aspects of such a practice, the Advisory Committee then
discussed the need for such a policy. Committee member Carroll moved that
the five items that were listed were good basis for starting such a pro-
cedure for review of these types of matching gifts and he indicated that he
felt such a policy or procedure was necessary. Committee member Fedde
wondered if there really was a need for a money limit to be placed on any
matching gifts.
Committee member Tilley questioned how the public might be notified that a
Advisory Parks Recreation Committee Minutes
February 4, 1982
Page 4
request was coming from a segment of the neighborhood group for a matching
gift. Chairman Martin indicated that a Parks Master Plan should help to
resolve some of the problems that can be seen and there is a recognition
of the positive aspect of the gifts policy but the City needed to be clear
on this issue. Committee member Fedde indicated the committee should omit
item #5 of the draft proposal, but committee member Thurston indicated
that this might present a problem in the future. After further discussion,
the Director of Parks and Recreation indicated that from what the Advisory
Committee members were saying, the committee might wish to include a
sixth item. This item would state that the staff would ask that a neigh-
borhood group requesting matching gifts circulate a memorandum to the
designated neighborhood, as defined by the staff, before being reviewed
by the Advisory Parks and Recreation Committee for action. Further, that
it be understood by the committee and community that dollar amounts may
be limited for matching purposes by budget or circumstances at the time.
After further discussion by the Advisory Committee on a motion by Masin,
seconded by McNeely to adopt the 5 points within the draft policy state-
ment and the sixth item suggested by the Director of Parks and Recreation.
Committee member Schumaker questioned in which manner this procedure or
practice might be communicated to the public. The director indicated
that an article might be submitted for publication by the Eagan Chronicle
and included in a future issue of the Eagan Newsletter. On a vote on a
motion all voted in favor.
MASTER PARKS PLAN STUDY
The Director of Parks and Recreation reviewed for the Advisory Committee
the status of the Parks Master Guide Plan study. It was indicated that
letters of proposal have been sent to five firms which had previously
been screened and that interviews would be established the last week in
February. He then indicated that the final selection committee would
consist of the City Council, perhaps the Advisory Committee in total,
with select spokespersons. There was further discussion of the Advisory
Committee on this item with no action being taken.
NEW BUSINESS SHADE TREE PROGRAM
Chairman Martin stated that committee member Carroll had requested this item
be placed on the agenda for discussion by the Advisory Committee. Committee
member Carroll indicated his concern that now that the State Shade Tree
Program is not now being funded through State aids that there would be an
increase in the number of diseased Oak and Elm trees. After further explanation,
he explained that he would hope that Eagan would have more pride and not let
the program disolve. Chairman Martin incicated his agreement that the Shade
Tree Program can't be let go. He ‘stated that there is a falsehood that "so
what if a tree dies now or in a few years because of disease." He felt that
the City should maintain a sanitation posture and not give up because of
recent discoveries of potential cures for these diseases. He indicated that
all the trees within the community are an asset and an amenity. After
discussion, committee member Carroll was asked what it was the committee should
record. Member Carroll indicated that the City should take positive action
to keep the Shade Tree Program going despite limits of resources. And, that
Advisory Parks Recreation Committee Minutes
February 4, 1982
Page 5
the citizens be advised as to what action they might be able to take to pre-
vent the spread of diseases. Several suggestions were offered as to what
these steps might be by members of the Advisory Committee. He then indicated
that he would like to have a motion include that the community develop this
program in hopes that they would find a method which might save these trees
in the near future. After additional discussion committee member Carroll
made a motion to recommend to the City Council, that despite the reduction
of financial assistance of the State Shade Tree Program that the City
ensure the continuation of the program and a positive effort to inspect
and comply with existing City ordinance. Further, to maintain existing
nursery and tree stock, in light of advancement of chemical treatment,
in an effort to keep Eagan green. Seconded by Martin, all voted in favor.
BUDGET REDUCTIONS
The Director of Parks and Recreation reviewed for the Advisory Committee
the status of the budget reductions now being reviewed by the City and
departments. The City Administrator had spoke to department heads re-
questing that they prepare a potential budget reductions within their
department. The director further explained that he had reviewed with
his staff potential areas, for reductions. He explained that he had
placed additional perimeters for these reductions to ensure that cuts
were appropriate for these reductions. One, all reductions were true
reductions without incurring a shifting of cost to another area and /or
false economies be shown. Two, that the long term efficiency and pro
ductivity of the department be maintained. And, three that the responsi-
bility and the mission of the department not be altered. The director
then reviewed a list of five areas for possible reductions which amounted
to approximately $7,400.00. The director also mentioned it's possible
that the City may be able to save some dollars on capital purchases as
companies try to reduce their inventories. After further questions by
the Advisory Committee, it was with concurrence that reductions that
were proposed by the director, if necessary, were in the best interest
of the department.
OTHER BUSINESS /REPORTS
Chairman Martin indicated that he had requested the need of 1982 objectives
be placed on the agenda for discussion. In particular, he stated that he
hoped that the committee would continue with its on site inspections and
review of park land. After further discussion, it was determined that the
development committee should meet and prepare an objective by the March
4th meeting. The development committee then established February 18th at
4 :30 P.M. at City Hall as a tentative meeting date.
SPRING AND SUMMER PROGRAMS
The Director of Parks and Recreation briefly reviewed the potential program
offerings for spring and summer. He requested that if they feel or see a
need for programs within the community, they should contact the department.
Advisory Parks Recreation Committee Minutes
February 4, 1982
Page 6
Dated:
PARK NAMES
A report had been included in the agenda packet concerning park names. Be-
cause there was not a location map a base map was then shown to the members
which could then be used for an insert into the City Newsletter. There was
general acceptance and positive response by the committee for this procedure.
BOAT LAUNCH FACILITY
The director stated that he had met with other governmental units concerning
a possible boat launch facility by the Cedar Avenue bridge. As a result, the
Department of Natural Resources will prepare a site plan and general cost
estimate for such a facility. The Lower Mississippi Watershed District was
interested in seeing this project and would be able to assist in the funding
with communities providing some assistance through its force labor account.
The committee requested the director to pursue this project and continue to
keep the committee informed as the proposal takes shape.
VIENNA WOOD PARK LAND
The committee members were informed that MnDOT had responded positively to
the City's request for the acquisition or turn back of land with the Vienna
Wood area development. And, a recent meeting with Unisource Corporation
for acquisition of the 22 acre parcel, was positive. He indicated that
Unisource was continuing to look at a roadway alignment before final boundaries
might be made.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no additional items of business, on a motion by Fedde, seconded
by Tilley, the February meeting was adjourned.
K.L.V.
A. isory Parks Rec
Secretary