08/05/1982 - Advisory Parks & Recreation CommissionMINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
AUGUST 5, 1982
The meeting of the Eagan Parks and Advisory Committee was held on August 5,
1982 at the Eagan City Hall. Those members present at the meeting were
Martin, Fedde, Gustafson, Carroll and Thurston. Absent were members
Schumaker, Tilley, Masin, McNeely, Kubik. Also present was the Director
of Parks and Recreation and Planning Director. Preceding the convening
of the meeting at 7:30 P.M., members of the Advisory Committee toured
South Oaks, Lakeside, Wedgewood, Capricorn and Ches Mar Parks.
MINUTES
Chairman Martin indicated that only five members of the committee were
present thus a quorum was not constituted to act upon the minutes in
an official capacity. The committee determined that a review of the
agenda should take place but to withhold any official action until a full
committee was available.
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
BLACKHAWK OAKS
City Planner, Dale Runkle reviewed the preliminary plat which had been re-
ceived for Blackhawk Oaks, indicating the density, design, and road layout.
He further reviewed the recommendations of the Advisory Planning Commission
concerning the plat and the current status. The Parks and Recreation Director
distributed to the committee a report titled, Preliminary Review; Blackhawk
Park Access Issues. The director indicated that he and the parks system
consultant, Tim Erkkila had done a preliminary evaluation and review of
access to Blackhawk Park. He indicated that the primary concern for access
related to an extension of Silver Bell Road through the Blackhawk Oaks plat.
The director reviewed the contents of the preliminary report indicating
that at this time the study was being done because of the urgency created
by the Blackhawk Oaks preliminary plat. He stated that the access issue was
one that should really be looked at in terms of the development and use
pattern for the park and not as a separate issue in of itself. In reviewing
the report, it appeared to be desirable to try to gain access to Blackhawk
Park at the northwest corner via Silver Bell Road extension. This roadway
would be the primary access to the park until such time as a south road
would be possible. At that time that a south access is developed, the Silver
Bell access point would become secondary in nature. In response to a question,
the director indicated that the current access to the park from Riverton be.
retained but utilized as a neighborhood access rather than a community park
access. The Director of Parks and Recreation and City Planner responded to
numerous questions in regards to the plat and questions regarding access to
the park. Mr. Wes Carlson who resides on Palisade Point commented that he
agreed that the alignment of Silver Bell Road should be extended into the
park. Mr Carlson also produced an old plan which was showing an access into
the park north rather than the current Riverton access point. Committee mem-
ber Carroll questioned the property immediately to the north of Blackhawk
Park for possible development and its zoning, questioning whether park land
Advisory Parks F, Recreation Committee Minutes
August 5, 1982
Page 2
dedication might be sought when this parcel is ultimately developed. Committee
member Carroll also questioned the amount of parking that might be available
at the northwest access. The director indicated that the amount of parking
would be limited as a desirable aspect and if direction from the Advisory
Committee is such that this should be looked into further the amount of
parking could then be determined. Chairman Martin offered that the extension
of Silver Bell into the park would be an immediate benefit for park users.
Further, this would be a better access than through residential street access
currently available. Committee member Carroll indicated that he felt the
current access was insufficient to the park, that ultimate use of the park
through these residential streets was not the most desirable. After further
discussion, staff was to meet with the developer and review the options of
an access into the park from a Silver Bell extension. The parks dedication
is to consist of a possible combination of land and cash to satisfy both
the roadway access and parking.
BRITTANY MANOR 4th
City Planner Runkle explained the proposed plat explaining that the original
Brittany Manor addition consisted of duplex. He indicated the developer is
now requesting that these lots be platted as 18 single family units. The
Planning Director indicated that there would be no land dedication with this
parcel but would be cash dedication. He indicated the issue before the
Advisory Committee however, is a 30' wide trail easement which was received
when the original Brittany Manor was platted. The Director of Parks and
Recreation indicated the location of the trail and its intended purpose at
the time it was received as an easement. He stated that since this property
had been obtained however, that Orrin Thompson development had granted the
City the existing trailway from Johnny Cake Ridge addition to Cliff Road.
He indicated that the use of this trail now seemed questionable. Members
of the Advisory Committee questioned the value of the lake property located
on the east perimeter of the trail. It was pointed out the trail ends at a
ponding easement and is not at the N.O.H.W. It was also noted that the
surrounding lots fall into the lake area. The committee then discussed the
value of the lake for park purposes and constraints from not owning or being
able to obtain additional land around the lake for a trailway. It was also
commented that an existing pond and trailway do exist further to the south in
Dakota County Park land which is accessible to the residents for enjoyment.
Committee member Thurston indicated that it was her thoughts that the draw-
backs to the keeping this trail was more significant than its uses, as a
dead end lake is not useful. There was general agreement by the committee
with directions to staff to accept a cash dedication and to abandon the concept
of a trail. The Director of Parks and Recreation was asked to review the
needs for a portion of the trail easement as it abuts Johnny Cake Ridge
Road to tie in with the existing trail alignment.
SUB- DIVISION ORDINANCE
Planner Runkle informed the Advisory Committee that the planning commission
was reviewing the sub- division ordinance as it relates to parks. He indicated
that the big question was how to receive parks dedication with a phased develop-
ment. He then reviewed the discussion by the planning commission. Members of
the Advisory Committee indicated that flexibility would be necessary in dealing
and accepting parks land in totality or in phasing with each parcel. Committee
Advisory Parks F Recreation Committee Minutes
August 5, 1982
Page 3
member Martin indicated that several of the park sections which are without
parks at this time should be indicated or addressed for early parks dedication.
There was no further discussion or action taken by the committee.
NEW BUSINESS
Designation of Park Sites for System Plan Design: The Director of Parks and
Recreation reviewed the memo included in the packet for the Advisory Committee
indicating that the consultant wished to begin base mapping for as many parks
as the committee would like to include for designs. The director indicated
five (5) parks he felt deserved some priority because they generally met the
criteria of having known boundaries, are acquired park land, within developed
neighborhood areas, and might be conducive to preliminary work by City forces.
The director indicated Capricorn, Wedgewood, Lakeside and South Oaks Parks.
The Director of Parks and Recreation then reviewed some of the pros and cons
of other park sites. The committee then discussed each of the park sites
suggesting and defining some of the concerns and issues of each of the sites.
In response to a question the director indicated that he felt it desirable
that the committee continue to work on the issue to at least begin to shape
a second group of five (5) park sites for park design purposes. And, at
such time the joint committee meeting with the City Council this issue would
then be raised for a joint discussion. He continued that committee work in
advance of this would be helpful to eliminate or designate some of the park
sites. The committee discussed Blackhawk, Thomas Lake, Carlson Lake as strong
candidates for design. Rahn Park and Fish Lake also seemed logical candidates.
After a lengthy discussion it was determined that this issue would be placed
on the agenda for additional discussion and the park sites systematically
dealt with. The pros and cons could then be listed for each site.
1983 BUDGET
The Director of Parks and Recreation stated that much of the budget was now
"down in pencil" and would be completed within a few days to be turned into
the City Administrator. He asked that the Advisory Committee make known
any of its concerns for additional consideration before the final budget
was submitted. The director, in response to a question, indicated that
additional money has been placed in for picnic tables and for program ex-
pansion in some areas. He went on to explain numerous aspects about the
budget and what had been included as well as the concerns for trails mainte-
nance, rinks maintenance and parks care. Member Martin stated that the
worst part of the parks seems to be in the poor soils and lack of good
turf. He suggested that this be given some consideration for improvement.
The committee and the Director of Parks and Recreation exchanged information
concerning the budget but no action was required or taken by the committee
at this time.
OTHER BUSINESS
The Director of Parks and Recreation briefed the Advisory Committee on the
recently completed maintenance work. He stated that all of the neighbor-
hood park ball fields have now been graded and additional material added
as well as having most of the playground equipment and play perimeters
stained and painted. The director then briefly outlined some of the fall
projects envisioned for the maintenance staff which included tree planting,
Advisory Parks t Recreation Committee Minutes
August 5, 1982
Page 4
work on the athletic and soccer fields, installation of some pieces of play
ground equipment, fall spraying for weeds and other general turf issues.
Chairman Martin indicated that it would be desirable to have September 10th
as the annual committee's picnic outing at Blackhawk Park and if rain for
the picnic to be held at Rahn Park. Assignments for carrying out the
picnic were made.
Committee member Martin requested that on the September agenda a review of
the Blackhawk Park P.D. be placed on the agenda for discussion by the
committee with the City Planner and Parks and Recreation Director.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business the meeting was adjourned at 10:45 P.M.
Dated: Au6 ts► S i 198 Z
COMMITTEE PICNIC DATE
KLV
s
visory Pa s F, ecre n Commit
Secretary