03/04/1982 - Advisory Parks & Recreation CommissionMINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
MARCH 4, 1982
The regular meeting of the Eagan Advisory Parks and Recreation Committee was
held on March 4, 1982 at the Eagan City Hall. Those members present at the
meeting were Thurston, Martin, McNeely, Tilley, Gustafson, Fedde, Carroll,
and Masin. Absent Johnson and Schumaker. Also present was the Director
of Parks and Recreation.
MINUTES
Chairman Martin noted 3 corrections on page 3, page 5 and page 6 of the
February 4, 1982 minutes which were of a typographical nature. There
being no further corrections on a motion by Carroll, seconded by McNeely
minutes of the February 4th Advisory Committee meeting were approved.
AGENDA
The Director of Parks and Recreation requested that distribution of the 1982
Eagan City Budget be placed on the agenda. There being no further additions
or modifications to the agenda, on a motion by Masin, seconded by Tilley with
all members voting in favor, the agenda for March 4, 1982 was approved.
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
U.S. Homes Orrin Thompson for Lexington Place: The Director of Parks and
Recreation reviewed the preliminary plat for the 84 acre development which
includes 672 dwelling units. The director explained that this was the same
parcel of land which the committee had previously reviewed in the fall of
1981. The director indicated that staff was requesting that the developer
install a trail along Lexington and Duckwood Trail extension and that the
Advisory Committee should consider a potential trail easement on the southern
cul -de -sac in the development. The director also pointed out that the develop-
er was proposing two recreational areas within the development which would
consist of a tot lot and swimming pool. The chairman questioned how potential
trail alignment might be laid out to a future park area. The director indi-
cated that, potentially, a future site of a park would be to the south and
east of this development. After further discussion, a motion by Tilley,
seconded by Martin that the Advisory Parks and Recreation Committee recommend
to the City Council that there be a cash dedication based on the number of
units at time of final plat, developer provide an asphalt trail along
Lexington, and a sidewalk on Duckwood extension. Further, that the developer
provide a trail easement on the proposed cul -de -sac in the south portion of
the development, east of the edge of the proposed plat. Further, that the
developer provide the tot -lot and pool amenities as shown. Chairman Martin
indicated that it should be the understanding that this trail easement revert
back to the Home Owner Association if at such time in the future such a trail
link to the park could not be accomplished.
As a result of the Lexington plat, committee discussed the status of a potential
park to the south and east of this development. The Director of Parks and
Recreation indicated that the sub committee, during 1981, had visited potential
park site. The director continued that perhaps the committee would like to
review this further to determine if the City should begin early negotiations
Advisory Parks aid Recreation Committee Minutes
March 4, 1982
Page 2
to purchase this area, utilizing the cash dedication receipts from Lexington
Place development. After discussion by the Advisory Committee the chairman
asked staff to present a report concerning this area at the April meeting.
Tomark Development 2nd Addition: The Director of Parks and Recreation
briefly reviewed the 2nd addition of the Tomark development. Committee
member Carroll questioned the topography of the area immediately behind
the proposed building addition, stating that it appeared to be unsuitable
for a tot -lot development. Further, he pointed out that the developer has
already included tennis courts and tot -lot area immediately to the north
of the proposed parking lot for this building. After further discussion
and questioning by the Advisory Committee there was a motion by Fedde,
seconded by Masin with all members voting in favor that the Tomark 2nd
Addition provide a cash dedication based on the number of units and cash
fee at time of final platting.
LeMay Lake Addition: The director presented the preliminary plat for LeMay
Lake addition which consisted of approximately 10 acres and 44 townhouse
units. The director explained that the development was to provide common
space which would have equal access by the home owners. The common open
space is identified as outlot C and also contain a tot -lot facility.
Committee member Carroll questioned how units 1 through 8 and 41 through
44 would have access to the tot -lot area except through a back yard areas
of the units. The committee also questioned the grades along the western
boundary provide for a stairway or ramp to the trail along Pilot Knob
Road. After extensive discussion by the Advisory Committee, a motion by
Carroll, seconded by McNeely that the Advisory Parks and Recreation Committee
recommend to the City Council that a cash dedication, based on the number
of units and fees at final platting be made. Further, that staff first review
with the developer, the suitability of providing a ramp to connect the develop-
ment to the Pilot Knob Trail, assuming the grade is not prohibitive; that
access to the tot -lot area, via a pathway easement be provided from the pro-
posed cul -de -sacs. All members voted in favor.
Willmus Family Properties Willmus Park Addition: The Director of Parks and
Recreation indicated that he had met with Joe Cooper of Suburban Engineering
concerning this preliminary plat. He referred the members to the memo in
the packet and distributed a letter dated March 3, addressed to Mr. Cooper.
He indicated that this letter was the result of a meeting he had with Mr.
Cooper on March 1st of this year which addressed the concerns of the City
for park land. In response to a question, the Director of Parks and Recreation
stated that the developer was apparently not aware of his previous 2.2 acre
deficiency in park land from the Mallard Park 1st, 2nd and 3rd additions.
After further discussion, a consensus of the committee was to table this until
further review and negotiations have been completed by staff and the developer.
OLD BUSINESS COUNTRY GLENN CONDOMINIUMS
The Director of Parks and Recreation indicated that the City Council had re-
ferred this back to the Advisory Committee for discussion concerning the
volleyball facility. He indicated that the City Council wished the Advisory
Committee to review this vs a recommendation for a hard surface area and /or
Advisory Parks and Recreation Committee Minutes
March 4, 1982
Page 3
tennis courts. After further review, committee member Masin inquired as to
if the cost of the tennis courts would be borne by the developer and /or the
home buyer? The director responded that the developer undoubtedly would pass
the cost of the courts on to the home owners in the purchase price. Committee
member Carroll commented that as long as the area would be under the Home
Owners Association, they could assess themselves at some future time and put
in tennis courts if they felt that this was more suitable than volleyball.
He also indicated that more people could participate in volleyball than in
tennis at any one particular time. Committee member Gustafson indicated he
favored sand court volleyball as this is a popular activity. There was
additional discussion by the Advisory Committee regarding cost, maintenance,
and space. Committee member Thurston indicated that as a result of the high
densities in this section the City should seek to insure that the developer
provide suitable recreational facilities until such time as the Coachman
Park is developed.
At this time the Advisory Committee went into a detailed and lengthy discussion
concerning the City's right and responsibility to require developers to in-
stall intensive facilities. After this discussion there was a motion by
Martin, seconded by McNeely that the Advisory Committee recommends that the
City staff pursue, to its satisfaction, hard surface courts for inclusion in
the Country Glenn Condominiums. On a vote on the motion all were in favor.
At this point in time committee member Tilley excused herself from the re-
mainder of the meeting.
COMMITT E OBJECTIVES FOR 1982
Committee Chairman Martin indicated that he would like to accomplish, in addition
to a Master Plan, specific objectives for the committee in 1982. At this time
the Advisory Committee members went into a systematic approach of identifying
objectives, modifying and reviewing them to include for 1982. After complete
review and discussion the Advisory Committee's commitments for 1982 were the
following:
1. Naming of parks to be completed by the summer of 1982.
2. Signs for parks four (4) for the spring of 1982 to include
Lexington, Highview, Blackhawk and Cedar Pond Parks. Further,
that the Advisory Committee establish itself the signing of
between 6 and 8 to be installed on an annual basis.
3. Recreational program guide, to be an ongoing process of the
Advisory Committee throughout 1982.
4. Teen program, an ongoing study of the Advisory Committee for
the entire year.
5. Completion of and implementation of the Master Parks Plan study
late spring of 1983.
6. Visitation of remaining parks not yet visited; to commence as
early as possible throughout 1982.
7. Meet with the City Council /Staff to negotiate.
8. Review of the parks dedication formula and fees. Staff to begin
in July, proposal to City Council by October.
Advisory Parks and Recreation Committee Minutes
March 4, 1982
Page 4
SKATING RINKS
The director briefly reviewed for the Advisory Committee the memo that was
included in the packet regarding rinks. After review he briefly indicated
that staff's major concern was for the lack of utilization of Cedar Pond
Park skating rink. He indicated that staff was not strongly opinionated
as to whether this facility should remain open, closed, or another alternative.
Staff wished to make known the very limited attendance at this facility. The
advisory members then questioned the attendance at the facility vs other rinks.
Carolyn Thurston commented that the report showed that the highest attendance
at any one time was 12. The director indicated that an "average" attendance
would be 2 to 3 per unit of measure vs as much as 10 to 20 to 40 at others.
Committee member McNeely stated the pond is not used that much. He stated
that he had skated down there at least 5 times this winter and 4 of the times
he and his son were the only ones skating on the rink. He indicated he could
see that the time was coming when the City would not be able to maintain a
warming house facility or perhaps even to continue the maintenance on the
rink. The director was questioned whether this would be feasible. The
director indicated that this could be done, as is being done at Bur Oaks.
However, he indicated that if the rink were only maintained the warming
house should be removed. He then stated that Cedar Pond and Bur Oaks Ponds
are usually late to open, closed early because of there use as storm water
retention areas. He noted that the departments tractor broke through the
ice on February llth involving the necessity of closing Cedar Pond down early
for fear of presenting a danger to skaters. After further discussion, staff
was asked to prepare a report on the use of this facility and the alternative
of closing this facility for the '82 -'83 skating season. The director stated
this would be on the agenda for the next meeting while the issue of skating
is still fresh within the committee members minds.
BRAINSTORMING RECREATIONAL PROGRAM NEEDS
Chairman Martin indicated that the hour was growing late and asked the director
how long this portion of the agenda would take. It was then determined that
this item would be deferred until the April 1982 meeting.
TEEN PROGRAM- SUB COMMITTEE
Member McNeely presented the draft proposal which was prepared by the sub-
committee. He stated that the sub committee had worked out a possible summer
work program for teens. The concept of the work program would provide an
opportunity for youth to work in the City's parks and recreation areas and
be paid a nominal salary based on the seasons work. The programs would be 5
weeks and limited to approximately 20 youths. The culmination of the summer
work would be an event of some recreational nature such as a trip to Valley
Fair, tubing down Apple River, etc. In response to a question regarding
transportation and pay, he indicated that the salary would be based on 5
attendance days for $25.00 as a lump sum. Further, a make up day would be
provided however, if the individual would miss more than once, the contract
would not be fulfilled and the individual dropped from the work program.
Committee member Carroll indicated that the contract should make very clear
that participants would not be paid if they missed more than once. Committee
member McNeely incicated that transportation was still somewhat of a problem
and that he's working through a resolution of this issue. Further, it may
Advisory Parks and Recreation Committee Minutes
March 4, 1982
Page 5
require the City to provide an insurance binder to cover this. It was possible,
he continued, that bus cost would be limited to fuel, maintenance and a small
per mile charge. Committee member Thurston indicated that she had contacted
the Lions Club and auxiliary fire department to see if they would be interested
in providing some type of funding assistance. However, she indicated no dollar
amount had been discussed pending approval of the Advisory Committee and City
Council. After further discussion by the Advisory Committee in regards to
staffing, volunteers, salaries, and transportation it was recommended that the
staff present the concept to the City Council for their review and comment and
for tentative approval to allow staff and committee to proceed with refining
this program. Motion Carroll, seconded Martin, all in favor.
MASTER PARKS PLAN STUDY
The Director of Parks and Recreation stated that the City Administrator,
Director of Public Works and he had completed the first interviews of consultants
for the Master Parks Plan study. He indicated that a recommendation would be
made to the City Council for their final review and selection. Tentatively,
the City Council has established March 30th as the interview date of the
selected firm. He asked that advisory members to please keep this date open.
Chairman Martin and Committee member Thurston indicated that they would not
be available on that date, but expressed their desires that the interviews
continue on that date.
L.A.W.C.O.N. FUNDING 1983
The Director of Parks and Recreation indicated that the federal government had
cut the L.A.W.C.O.N. funding and that approximately one million dollars in
State funds would be available. He indicated that because of the limited
dollars available for growing communities the odds for success were not very
good. He was now seeking direction from the Advisory Committee as to its
possible priorities. After a brief discussion, it was the consensus of the
Advisory Committee that staff again prepare a Rahn Grant application as before,
as well as review potential application for Thomas Lake Park.
1982 BUDGET
The Director of Parks and Recreation distributed the 1982 budget document and
indicated the revisions to that document recently made by the City Council.
In response to a question, the director indicated that the council had reduced
the Parks and Recreation Departments budget by $4,000, and $2,000 in the tree
conservation department. He indicated that this was part of the recommendation
that he had made to the City Administrator and that which had been reviewed
with the Advisory Parks and Recreation Committee at its February meeting. He
also reviewed the park site acquisition development fund and indicated that
changes in the format for presentation would be made in subsequent years for
ease of understanding of receivable and obligation to future expenditures
under any existing agreements. In response to a question he indicated that
the current method does not allow or show for specific breakdowns of liabilities
under the fund such as a current commitment to construct portions of the Rahn
Thomas Phase II program.
Advisory Parks and Recreation Committee Minutes
March 4, 1982
Page 6
At this time Mike Fedde motioned, seconded by Thurston to add to the agenda
the official naming of Rahn Park. Motion carried unanimously. Chairman
Martin opened the discussion on the naming of Rahn Park, stating as the re-
sult of the previous item concerning L.A.W.C.O.N. funding and park naming,
it might behoove the Advisory Committee to take official action to name
Rahn Park at this time. Motion by Thurston, seconded by Fedde that the
Advisory Committee recommend to the City Council that Rahn Park be officially
named Rahn Park. This recommendation was being made because of the proximity
of Rahn School, Rahn Road, and the residents continual reference to Rahn Park.
Further, that this recommendation is being made at this time as funding for
the sign could be a part of the current closing out of the acquisition grant
for the park. All members voted in favor.
APRIL MEETING
Several members indicated that they would not be able to attend the April
1st Advisory Committee meeting. It was then moved and seconded that the
April 1st Advisory Committee meeting be moved to April 8th in an effort to
insure a quorum.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no additional items of business, on a motion by Fedde, seconded
by Carroll the regular meeting of the Advisory Committee was adjourned at
10:25 P.M.
Dated:
K.L.V.
Advisory Par s F, Recreation o ee
Secretary