10/01/1981 - Advisory Parks & Recreation CommissionAGENDA
ADVISORY PARK AND RECREATION COI'IMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
EAGAN CITY HALL
OCTOBER 1, 1981
6:30 P.M. - PARKS TOUR*
7:30 P.M. - REGULAR. MEETING
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
2. ADOPT AGENDA AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 3, 1981
AND SPECIAL ;' OF SEPTEMBER 16, 1981.
3. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
None
4. OLD BUSINESS
None
5. NEW BUSINESS
1. Request of James Plantenberg
2. Winter Skating Program - 1981 -82
3. Trails Plan Funding
6. OTHER BUSINESS /REPORTS
1. National Parks and Recreation Conference - Attendance
2. Teen Program. - Study Committee
3. Establishment of Sub - committee on parks meeting
Blackhawk P.U.D. Review /Vienna Wood
4. Committee Job Description
5. Park Sign Logo
6. Other
7. ADJOURNMENT
*
Members are reminded to call the office if they are
unable to attend. The regular meeting will begin
at 7:30 PM with the parks tour beginning at 6:30 PM.
October 1981
MEMO TO: ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
FROM: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION
RE: OCTOBER 1 COMMITTEE MEETING
The regular meeting will be proceeded by a tour of River Hills
Park and Ridge Cliffe Park beginning at 6:30 P.M. Dale Runkle,
City Planner, will direct this tour in my absence. Although
I will not be available during the tour I will be at the regular
meeting beginning at 7:30 P.N.
There are no residential developments to be reviewed which in-
cludes potential parks dedication. Mr. Runkle will provide an
overview of other developments within the community for your
information.
Under Other Business and Reports, there are several items which
require the committee's attention. The first item is the National
Parks and Recreation Conference to be held in Minneapolis. Dis-
cussion by the committee members as to which days members may
wish to attend should be concluded. Please refer to your August
packet for the agenda of the conference. The second item is for
volunteers and appointment to a study committee on teen programming.
With the recent resignation of Dick Pettit and Jean Loken, the
committee consists only of Carolyn Thurston. It would be de-
sirable for two additional members to be appointed to work with
department staff on this study. Item three pertains to a general
"job description" and workings of the Advisory Committee (gee
attached).
There has been some discussion by new members of the Advisory
Committee that it would be helpful for them to become oriented
to the parks committee if they could have some type of handouts.
I've taken the liberty of drafting several items for the
committee's review which I feel might be given to potential new
appointees to help them understand the workings and relationship
of the committee. I would suggest as part of an orientation
program for new members, that the park packet from the previous
two meetings be provided to new members. And, that a member
of the existing committee be assigned as an "adviser" to the
new member. The role of this individual would be to welcome
the new member to the committee and assist them in understanding
the happenings of the Advisory Committee. The Director of Parks
and Recreation would also be willing to schedule a meeting with
newly appointed members to go over significant and pending
actions of the committee, answer questions concerning parks, etc.
if it were so desired by the member. Staff would appreciate the
couuuittees input in regards to this matter.
Staff is currently reviewing the Blackhawk P.U.D. in an attempt
to "refigure" dedications. Because of the re- alignment of 35 -E
since the original P.U.D. was made, some re- negotiations will
be required in the north half as well as some refiguring in the
south half. A final determination will also have to be made
relatively soon concerning the park land in the Vienna Woods
addition. Staff has met with the representative of this de-
velopment and is in the process of acquiring the final alignment
a
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October 1 Committee Meeting - Memo
Page 2
for 35 -E. Once this has been received staff will then prepare
a proposal for the acouisition of park land in this section.
It would be desirable to review these two issues with the parks
sub - committee prior to presentation before the committee as a
whole. A tentive meeting date could be scheduled to accomplish
this task.
The City Logo has been transferred to a wood plaque for possible
application on park signs. The plaque needs some revision, but
will give the members an excellent idea of what is being en-
visioned.
Last, enclosed in your packet is a copy of the letter which was
prepared at the special meeting of September 16th addressed to
the Mayor and Council. At this writing, it appears it will be
on the Ocotber 6th agenda for the Council.
September 25, 1981
Draft
The Advisory Parks and Recreation Committee is an appointed committee of the
City Council of volunteer citizens. The purpose of the committee is to advise
and make recommendations to the City Council concerning both parks and recre-
ation issues. In addition the committee provides input to City staff, in
affect, acts as an advisory board on community interests concerning recreation
and parks.
Organization: The committee consist of 10 members who are appointed by the
City Council for 3 year terms.
Chairman, vice - chairman and secretary are elected annually by the committee
members at an "organizational meeting" in January. Study committees are also
organized at this time. Meetings are held monthly, or at the call of the
chairman.
Members Role: As a member of the committee, regular attendance and partici-
pation in committee work is expected. Committee work covers a broad range of
issues throughout the year. And, the formation of task groups is vital if the
responsibilities of the committee are to be executed.
Perhaps the most significant responsibility the members have is to keep an
open mind to parks issues. Listening, learning and discussion of issues
are important aspects of committee work. Decision making should be based on
information gathered and what can be seen as the betterment of the City and
parks and recreation system. Maintaining objectivity in the face of special
interest groups is often difficult, but essential to a balanced approach to
parks.
The Advisory Committee acts as a group; disagreement and divergent views are
expected and desirable. However, these views are not to be represented to
outside organizations /committee as being representative of the ciews of
the Advisory Committee or City. Members need to be certain that they do not
express personal views and interests as that of the City.
Page 2
Responsibility /Authority: The committee does not have statutory powers, as
do "park boards!' It is a creation of the City Council with the responsibility
of parks and recreation. The committee reviews residential development for
recommendation of parks dedication; annually reviews the budget, provides input
regarding programming, hears citizens requests and investigates issues for
recommendation, in addition to the general responsibility of parks and recreation,
the committee will perform "special" responsibilities as well. As an example,
the Advisory Committee provided input and reviewed the City wide Bicycle Trails
Plan, the needs for a Master Parks Plan, and reviewed plans for park development.
Staff: The City employs a professional administrator for the parks and
recreation department whose responsibility includes the day to day direction
and operation of the department. Directly responsible to the City Administrator
and City Council, the director prepares the operational budget, purchase major
equipment items, oversees the forestry department, and weed control program,
plans parks maintenance and development activities, as well as give direction
to the effective operation of recreational programming, etc.
As the position relates to the Advisory Committee, the director prepares the
committees agenda and support information concerning agenda items. Items re-
quire committee action, informational items on parks and programs are presented
by the director and communicated to the appropriate parties.
The City Administrator and City Planner are often at meetings of the Advisory
Committee and will comment on council directives, as well as background in-
formation pertaining to City development.
For Your Information:
Park Dedication: The City has enacted an ordinance under Minnesota laws, which
grants a community the authority to receive land for park purposes from
residential developers. This dedication is set at 100 of the land to be
developed. In instances in which suitable land for park purposes is not
available, or the amount of land is not sufficient to support a park, a cash
dedication is taken. The amount of the cash dedication is based on the type
of residential unit. The committee annually reviews the fees for possible
adjustment. The cash collected goes into the "park site acquisition and
development" fund for purchase and /or development of parks throughout the community.
Comp Plan: Required by the Metropolitan Council the City prepared a
"Comprehensive Guide. Plan" for the City. One segment of the plan includes
parks. Neighborhood service areas were defined to help determine what park
needs might be for each portion of the City.
C.I.P. or Capital Improvement Program: The department has prepared a C.I.P.
document which lists each park area and improvement to each park for a five year
period. (This list does not include facilities) The five year program would
cost (if funds were available) in excess of 2 million dollars.
P.U.D.: A planned unit development is an agreement between a City and developer/
land owner to develop the land included in the agreement according to a specific
criteria; including residential densities, park land, commercial area, with a
proposed time frame for development. P.U.D.'s run for a period of 5 to 15 years.
Master Parks Plan: A Master Parks Plan is a document or intensive study of the
park and recreation system to determine existing deficiencies in land and type
of facilities the City needs to provide its citizens. The study seeks to focus -in
on a specific park needs, prioritize those needs via -vis the rest of the park
system needs, as well as provide direction for the department.
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1
Qualifications:
ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
JOB DESCRIPTION /QUALIFICATIONS
September 25, 1981
1. Resident of the City of Eagan.
2. Willingness and dedication to commit both time and personal energy
to the committee.
3. An interest in both parks and recreation issues.
4. Desire to provide a broad range of parks and recreation service to
citizens of the community.
5. Interest in and knowledge of the community of Eagan.
6. Interest in recreation and parks fulfilling a vital role in the quality
of life for Eagan residents.
7. Willingly seeks input from neighborhoods, organizations, and
individuals.
8. Ability to maintain an objective approach to park issues.
Responsibilities:
1. Attend and participate in regular monthly meetings and special meetings.
2. Attend and participate in appointing study committee which may be
required to conduct the affairs of the Advisory Committee.
3. To make recommendations concerning parks acquisition and development
to council and staff.
4. To review and make recommendations concerning recreation programming.
5. Annually elect officers for the Advisory Committee.
6. Provide input into park site planning.
7. Annually review the budget.
8. Performs fact finding tasks for council.
Reports to: City Council
Director of Parks and Recreation
Perform an Evaluation:
1. Self evaluation
2. Regular attendance and participation.
3. Knowledge and satisfaction that committee is full - filling a vital
role in the community.
Condition of Work:
1. 3 year terms; appointment by council.
2. No compensation; but a great deal of personal satisfaction to be
offered.
•
Job Description /Qualifications
Duties of Chairman
1. To preside over regularly scheduled and special meetings.
2. To call special meeting of the Advisory Committee when required to
conduct the responsibilities of the committee.
3. To act as spokes person for the committee.
4. With the Director of Parks and Recreation; establish a tentitive
agenda for monthly meetings.
5. Assign members to special study committees.
6. Advise and consult with individual members concerning their partici-
pation on the committee.
Duties of the Vice Chair - person
1. In the absence of the chair - person, conduct meeting of the
Advisory Committee.
2. To perform assigned task as might be requested from the chairman.
Duties of the Director of Parks and Recreation
1. To assist in the development of the agenda and preparation of
packet material.
2. To act as a liaison to the City Council for the recommendations made
by the committee.
3. Provide direction and input to the committee concerning parks dedi-
cation and recreational programming.
4. To perform fundamental research in the study of parks and recreation
issues.
5. To attend meetings of the Advisory Committee and study committee.
•
October 1981
MEMO TO: ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
FROM: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION
RE: JAMES PLANTENBERG - REQUEST TO PURCHASE PARK LAND PARCEL
Background: Mr. James Plantenberg, 1746 Palisade Circle, is
requesting to purchase a triangular portion of property to be
split off of Oak Chase Park in order to increase the size of
his residential lot. A copy of the letter and diagram of the
area prepared by Mr. Plantenberg is attached. Mr. Plantenberg
would like to acquire the property to continue a road into his
lot for a home. Apparently this parcel was previously requested
for purchase by Mr. Carlson some years ago, but was denied by
the park committee.
Analysis: Oak Chase Park is in neighborhood service area 27,
and consist of approximately 62 acres of land. Much of the
park is under overhead power transmission lines, is split by
Oak Chase Road and has two easements crossing the westerly
portion of the park.
The triangular portion being requested for purchase is west
of Oak Chase Road and consist of approximately 8,100 sq. ft.
The triangular portion is on the south edge of the park. (see
diagram). The land slopes to the pond area further to the
south at approximately a three to one slope. This area has
numerous poplar trees.
This area is not now being utilized for active park space,
nor are there any current plans for expansion of park
activities into this area, at this time. However, the area
does serve as a preserve /open space area and is a positive
amenity to the park as a whole.
This park land was acquired by the City through parks land
dedication. It would appear that the City could sell the
requested area if it was so desired.
Discussion: The park area in question, although it is not
"used ", provides a scenic and desirable amenity to the park.
While the sale of the land would provide some income, it does
not appear that this land sale would improve the overall
character of the park system or this particular park. Mr.
Plantenberg has stated that he would be willing to plant up
to twenty evergreens to enhance the area and provide screening.
If the land in question is viewed as being "surplus" and not
as an enhancement to the park, or if the sale of the land
can improve the park system as a whole, then a sale would
appear to be appropriate.
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Request to purchase park land parcel - memo
October 1981
Page 2
It would be staff's recommendation not to sell this parcel;
however, if the committee is to recommend sale of the property,
it is staff's recommendation that the property be sold at
current park property costs and for the buyer to assume all
legal and incidental costs associated with the sale.
1
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October 1981
MEMO TO: ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
FROM: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION
RE: WINTER SKATING PROGRAM
Background: Staff is beginning preparation for the upcoming
winter season. Some modification to last years skating
program are being reviewed and presented here for considera-
tion by the Advisory Committee.
Review: Last year the City adopted a three level classi-
fication plan for its skating facilities.
Class A Rinks: Received highest priority for maintenance
and were open for a "longer season'.'
Class B Rinks: Were second in priority and had some-
what shorter hours /season.
Class C Rinks: Which consist of pond locations and
locations without warming houses comprised
the third level.
Although last years warm temperatures caused frequent rink
closings and disruption to the skating program, the classi-
fication system seemed to work well for the skaters and
department. Attendance figures indicated that both Rahn
and Well Site, which are Class "A ", were the most heavily
used. Carnelian was also used heavily by hockey groups.
Other locations attendance was disappointing. Weather is
suspected as being the major problem here. Attached is the
departments '80 -'81 skating rink schedule for your review.
Program Modification: Staff is considering the following
modifications to the 1981 -'82 schedule.
1 That the rinks not be open on Christmas day. Last
years attendance was very, very low, as an example:
0,0,3,0,1, and Rahn only had 3. Cold temperatures
may have kept the attendance down. In addition to
the low attendance, securing attendants to work this
day presents a problem. Most would prefer to spend
the day at home for the traditional Christmas holiday.
For these reasons, consideration for closing of the
warming house on Christmas day is being considered.
2 That Rahn rink become a "hockey center'.' Staff is
considering that the two Rahn hockey rinks be the
major rinks for hockey activities. Previously only
one rink would be allowed for scheduling of hockey
while the other would be "open.' The proposal that
would be presented to the hockey association would
be to schedule games and practice at Rahn and dis-
continue the use of the neighborhood facilities at
Carnelian and Woodhaven for practice and games.
Well Site would also be severely limited for use as
a game /practice facility, to two nights per week
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Winter Skating Program - Memo
October 1981
Page 2
and Saturday mornings. These two facilities, Rahn. and
Well Site, would continue to be classified as "A" rinks
with the season continuing until February 15. After
this date, and weather permitting, the rinks would be
open on a reduced schedule for skating until March 1.
The purpose of the Hockey Center concept is to reduce
the frequency of use of neighborhood rinks for games
and practices, allowing them to be used for informal
play.
This concept has not yet been discussed with the
hockey association, but is believed to be an improve-
ment for their activities. A meeting is scheduled
for October 6 to discuss the coming winter programs
and discussion of this with them. If the associations
are in agreement that this is a plausible approach,
it is believed that there still will be numerous
open hours at Rahn for other use's - Broomball, Boot
Hockey, informal skating.
Staff is seeking committee discussion and input regarding this
item.
•
EAGAN PARK & RECREATION DEPARTMENT
ICE SKATING RINK LOCATIONS
Opening date: December 20, 1980
Warming Houses are closed: When the wind chill factor is -30 or colder.
After a snowfall of 3" or more until rinks
are cleared by City crews.
The blue light on the roof of a warming house is on when a warming house
is open.
PLEASURE SKATING AND HOCKEY WITH WARMING HOUSES
Rahn Park
Well Site
Carnelian Park
Lexington Park (McKee Addition)
Pilot Knob School
Woodhaven Park
Highview Park
PLEASURE SKATING WITH WARMING HOUSE
Cedar Pond
PLEASURE SKATING WITHOUT WARMING HOUSES
Country Home Heights
Evergreen Park
Bur Oak Pond
WARMING HOUSE HOURS
Weekdays, During School
Vacation Days and Saturdays
Sundays
Christmas & New Year's Eve's
Christmas & New Year's Day's
Next to Rahn School - 2 hockey rinks
and free skating area (East hockey
rink is available for free hockey at
all times)
Pilot Knob Road, north of Cliff Road
Blackhawk Road & Carnelian Lane
Lexington Avenue, north of Lone Oak
Road
Lone Oak & Pilot Knob Roads
Gold Trail, southeast of Beau D'Rue
Drive
Pilot Knob & Skyline Road
County Road 30 near Cedar School
Beam Lane, east of Pilot Knob Road,
north of Lone Oak Road
Pilot Knob Road & Walfrid, south of
County Road 30
Highway 49 & Chapel Lane
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
10:00 AM 9:00 PM
NOON - 9:00 PM
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
NOON - 5:00 PM
CLOSING DATES
February 8, 1981 - Cedar Pond, Highview
February 15, 1981 - Carnelian, Woodhaven, Lexington, Pilot Knob.
Well Site and Rahn - reduced hours for' as long as possible.
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MEMO TO: TOM HEDGES, CITY ADMINISTRATOR
FROM: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION
RE: FUNDING, TRAILS PLAN
August 25, 1981
With the acceptance and approval of the bicycle trails plan
by the City Council, the City has taken a significant step to-
wards providing a major transportation and recreational link -up
within the community. As time consuming and as difficult as the
trails plan was to complete, the hardest part of the plan is yet
to come. That is the implementation of the plan itself. If the
plan is to be totally effective, the plan must be put into motion.
If not, the plan becomes valueless and consumes file drawer space.
The implementation portion of the plan requires continuous
monitoring and directive action by staff to insure that opportuni-
ties for trail development, consistent with the trails plan, is
taken advantage of. Necessary for the implementation of the
plan is funding. This is one aspect that the City must address
itself to at an early opportunity to insure that opportunities
are not lost.
The trails plan document devoted several pages to the fund-
ing issue, which is best summarized by saying that: no single
source of revenues will be able to provide all the fundin neces-
sary to do the trails plan. Rather, a combination of funds will
be required i total, and indeed if only a portion of the trails
plan is to be implemented. For your review I have included pages
from the trails plan addressing the funding issue.
Staff has performed a preliminary cost estimate based on both
a five year trails construction program as well as a totals trails
plan which would be. extended beyond this five year period. The
first five year program addresses nearly 22 miles of trails at a
projected current dollar cost estimated at $700,000.00. Additional
trails envisioned after 1985, as the City continues to expand out-
ward, will add additional 39 miles of trails. It is estimated
that this would cost $942,000 current dollars.
The first years projected cost, for 1981, it was estimated
that 9.26 miles of trail would be constructed. As you are aware,
4 miles of this 9.26 are currently under construction with the
upgrading of Pilot Knob from Yankee Doodle to 494. A portion of
this funding has come from the State trails program as well as
City and County participation. Including the current year trails
designated for construction -or currently under construction- the
total estimate for the entire trails program which encompassing
approximately 71 miles would be $1,677,000 in current dollars. If
the City is to meet this cost estimate the City will indeed have
to find several sources of revenue. This would be true even if
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Funding, Trails Plan - Memo
Page 2
the community were to have a scaled down trails program from
that which is envisioned as part of a fully developed community
trails plan.
•
Undoubtedly the discussion of finding revenue for funding
the trails system will be a lengthy one. I will briefly touch
upon some of the potential sources for such revenues.
The availability of grant funds is rapidly dwindling with the
current administration in Washington D.C. It is not likely that
this will be a realistic and reliable source of funding. Conse-
quently, the City will have to look at locally generated funds,
but be observant for opportunities that may present themselves
for Federal grant and aids. This would be similiarly true for
State aids.
A second alternative could be in addition to the parks dedi-
cation fees. Like parks cash dedication, an additional cash
charge could be made with monies designated specifically for
trails development. The disadvantage of this method is that
it puts an additional cash burden on the "front -end" of a develop-
ment project. Many developers have already made a park land or
cash contributions under existing P.U.D.'s, and this may mean
going back and trying to re- collect.
When the trails plan was being developed, it centered around
the concept that it would serve major commercial, industrial
employment areas as well as parks and other significant traffic
generators within the community. It was assuted that the bene-
ficiaries of the transportation system should assist in paying
for a portion of the systems cost. Existing cash dedication
policies for parks does not apply to commercial /industrial areas,
consequently it would seem inappropriate to utilize only these
funds.
Staff has reviewed the possibilities of designating a portion
of the road unit - charge specifically for bicycles trails construc-
tion. Currently, the road unit - charges are charged at the rate of
$185.00 per unit for R -1, R -2 and R -3 and $148.00 per unit for
R -4. A $550.00 per acre charge for industrial property. Conceivably,
a percentage of this road unit rate, could be earmarked specifically
for trails development. Staff recently reviewed the projection
of the number of housing units. remaining to be built at saturation,
and a projection of industrial land remaining to be developed. From
this data and applying a figure of 10% to be earmarked for trails,
the City could anticipate receipt of approximately $430,000 from
residential construction and approximately $95,000 from commercial/
industrial development or approximately $525,000. This amount
would finance approximately 1/3 of the city wide trails plan in
current dollars. Other funding necessary to complete the trails
program could potentially come from areas of other sources including
parks bond issue or general fund money.
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Funding, Trails Plan - Memo
Page 3
Perhaps at an early opportunity you could schedule a meeting
with the City Council to review the trails plan with the intent
of seeing it placed into affect via a specific funding formula/
strategy.
With your direction, I could develop in more detail specific
dollar amounts that might be generated through various alterna-
tives for presentation after some direction has been received
from you or the City Council.
The council should also discuss how the City intends to
proceed with other segments of the trails plan which do not re-
quire the laying of bituminous mat. As an example, the trails
plan show a section of trail from Johnny Cake Ridge Road north
of Cliff Road to the power line as a class II trail. What this
would require is the striping of a bike lane area and signing
for bicyclist use. City staff has estimated that this cost
would be approximately $500.00 in materials to accomplish. The
question that needs to be addressed is how these segments should
be implemented, when they should be implemented, and obviously
the funding for implementation of these segments.
well.
I will wait your response too in regards to this item as
t
BEA BLOMCIUIST
MAYOR
THOMAS EGAN
MARK PARRANTO
JAMES A. SMITH
THEODORE WACHTER
COUNCIL MEMBERS
HONORABLE MAYOR BLOMQUIST
and
CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
CITY OF EAGAN
PHONE 454 -8100
3795 PILOT KNOB ROAD
P.O. BOX 21199
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
55122
THOMAS HEDGES
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
EUGENE VAN OVERBEKE
CITY CLERK
September 17, 1981
A Master Parks Plan for the City of Eagan has been a
consideration for several years by the Advisory Parks and
Recreation Committee. For the past several months members
of the Advisory Committee, with the Director of Parks and
Recreation, have been making an indepth study of the needs
for a Master Parks Plan. The progress of the study committee
is reflected through the various memos and minutes of its
meetings.
Recently, after two special meetings of the study group
and the Advisory Committee, we have concluded that the City
should embark upon a program which would result in the develop-
ment of a city wide Master Parks Plan. Because of the rapid
growth and development of Eagan, the City and parks system
are in a critical period in which it must plan for its park
needs on an orderly and objective basis, rather than having
to react to situations as they unfold.
We have come to this conclusion and recommendation be-
cause we have recognized the importanceof a Master Parks
Plan. The importance of a Master Parks Plan extends beyond
the good of the parks system. It is for the benefit of the
entire community of Eagan.
A Master Parks Plan has many positive benefits. Based
on a statistical analysis of existing resources of the
community, the Master Parks Plan will help to direct the
future growth of the parks system efficiently and effectively
by recognizing existing deficiencies in the system and the
potential growth of this community. Through a process of
prioritization, these deficiencies can be met in a timely
manner recognizing both long term and short term needs of
the system. The master plan will help to insure that the
park system achieves a balanced approach towards providing
various recreational pursuits while insuring continuity of
direction. Finally, the master plan will answer the needs
and questions concerning the parks of today. Do we know
THE LONE OAK TREE ... THE SYMBO OF STR Anln (Z C WTI+ In1 ICI ( AI4IIAIITV
•
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BEA BLOMQUIST
MAYOR
THOMAS EGAN
MARK PARRANTO
JAMES A. SMITH
THEODORE WACHTER
COUNCIL MEMBERS
These needs include:
CITY OF EAGAN
3795 PILOT KNOB ROAD
P.O. BOX 21199
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
55122
PHONE 454 -8100
what our park needs are, how many, how much, how soon and
where?
We have identified various needs that might be studied
in a master plan for parks within Eagan. A preliminary list
has been compiled, without detail, which serves to show the
readily identifiable needs of the system.
THOMAS HEDGES
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
EUGENE VAN OVERBEKE
CITY CLERK
1. Various types of recreational facilities the community
will need now and in the future.
2. Special use facilities for recreational pursuits.
3. Water based recreational opportunities for adults and
children.
4. Need for trails - including passive trails, horse trails,
and snowmobile.
5. Types of recreational opportunities that the community will
need to provide.
6. Open space, passive and reserve areas: Do we need more?
If so how much? What opportunities exist?
7. Acquisition needs. How soon do we need to acquire additional
property to maintain the system? What types of park land
should the City seek to secure?
8. Development of concept plans for the City's undeveloped
parks to insure a systematic and timely development of
these identified park areas.
9. Identification of improvements needed on existing developed
facilities.
10. The need to study the relationship of all of the above as
well as the role of private recreational resources, the
impact the school system has on the recreational system,
relationship to regional, county and state parks systems
and the role of special groups.
All of these needs are considered to be essential elements
for study in a Master Parks Plan. They can serve as a basis by
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•
THE LONE OAK TREE ... THE SYMBOL OF STRENGTH AND GROWTH IN OUR COMMUNITY.
BEA BLOMQUIST
MAYOR
THOMAS EGAN
MARK PARRANTO
JAMES A. SMITH
THEODORE WACHTER
COUNCIL MEMBERS
CITY OF EAGAN
379S PILOT KNOB ROAD
P.O. BOX 21199
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
S5122
THOMAS HEDGES
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
EUGENE VAN OVERBEKE
CITY CLERK
which staff, council and committee can further refine to de-
velop the issues within the Master Parks Plan.
During the study of the Master Parks Plan for Eagan we
would look to the City Council for a guiding hand and involve-
ment in the analysis and decision making process as the plan
begins to take shape. We have also come to the conclusion
that involvement of the community through an interactive process
is a very desirable element with the Master Parks Plan study.
We would invite neighborhood representation as well as those
citizens actively involved in adult and youth organizations,
business and community leaders, as well as those who have an
interest in the future of Eagan to participate in the early
phases of the process.
In an effort to reduce the consultants time and cost
through this process, we the Advisory Committee, have begun
to identify how we might be able to become actively involved
in the data collecting process. For example, the staff and
the Advisory Committee could gather the data on zoning,
demographics, existing park boundaries and elements, popu-
lation and economic information, existing park policies,
much of the regional parks data, as well as private recreational
facilities available within the community and surrounding areas.
Certainly the knowledge of the three independent school districts
might be collected and gathered by advisory members and supplied
by cooperative staffs from the school districts. Committee
members could also begin to identify key individuals through-
out the local business and industrial community as well as
knowledgeable people concerning parks needs. It would be ex-
pected that the consultant would analyze the data presented,
conduct the various neighborhood meetings, prepare concept
diagrams of neighborhood parks for development and complete
the investigation of the parks needs as previously identified,
and finalizing the plan. Through our investigation, we have
determined that the services of an outside professional
consultant knowledgeable in parks planning is required. The
cost of a Master Parks Plan within the scope being envisioned,
is estimated to cost in the range of $35,000.00.
r
BEA BLOMQUIST
MAYOR
THOMAS EGAN
MARK PARRANTO
JAMES A. SMITH
THEODORE WACHTER
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Carolyn Thurston
Margaret Tilley
Sandra Masin
CITY OF EAGAN
9295 PILOT KNOB ROAD
P.O. BOX 21199
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
55122
PHONE 454-8100
The Advisory Committee would hope that a completed master
plan could be available by late 1982. If the council concurs
that this is an importantissue for the parks system and City,
it will require the detailing by staff of the elements and re-
quirements for a consultant to proceed. A. detailed Request
For Proposal (R.F.P.) sent out to qualified planning firms
who are knowledgeable in parks systems studies, would need to
be made. It is estimated that it would take approximately two
to three months to complete the process of preparing a R.F.P.
and the final selection and securing of a consultant. Once
the consultant has been hired a completed study plan would
require between seven and nine months to complete.
The Advisory Parks and Recreation Committee discussed at
great lengths the cost of securing an outside consultant and
the relative cost of doing so. We believe the benefit that
a Master Parks Plan can produce over the years must be considered
an investment in the parks system rather than a cost. It is
for this reason that the Advisory Committee would hope that
the council would consider the inclusion in its 1982 budget
appropriations an amount to cover the cost of this study. If
this is not feasible, the Advisory Committee feels strongly
that the initiation of this study is of primary importance to
the parks system and that a funding might come from the park
site acquisition and development fund if no other dollars are
available.
A Master Parks Plan for the City of Eagan is vitally essential.
This Master Plan study should begin at the earliest opportunity
without delay. And, the Advisory Parks and Recreation Committee
urges the City Council to make a determination as to the importance
of the Master Plan study and its funding.
, submitted,
Ro erJMartin, Chairman
Richard Carroll
Michael Thomas
Mike Fedde
Douglas McNeely
Steve Johnson
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THE LONE OAK TREE ... THE SYMBOI CIF 4TRFN[7TM stun n unwTIa iN nI rnuuI miry
THOMAS HEDGES
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
EUGENE VAN OVERBEKE
CITY CLERK
MEMO TO:
FROM:
RE:
Members
Tilley
Carroll
Pettit
Johnson
McNeely
Thurston
Loken
Martin
Radl
Thomas
Fedde
Masin
TOM HEDGES, CITY ADMINISTPATO!
KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECIEATION
COMA "ITTEE MEMBER ABSENCES
As you'll_ note in reviewing this list
of several of the members of the co- ii
chairman indicated to me that they c crr
past the City Administrator had "c.ct ri
have frequent absences to the i° -sc c _:,:.
case then either I or the chai 'rtr:
informed and we can make person 1 cc
their attendance at the me ting4,. P<:
appropriate.
Recently, the chairman and vice-chairman of tl
Recreation Committee spoke to n:o regarding thx
absences of several of the committee mer;.herc.
the Advisory Committee has recetitly gone thrnt
of the needs for a Master Park Plan, aril, arft
committee will be able to proceed with t iac del
master plan in the very near future. If th .s
their concern that frequent absences by r ?rh
will impede the progress of the developTxcn. o
Plan.
Present
6
9
5
9
1
3
September 21, 1981
t Advisory Parks and
'various frequency. of
-. The' concern is that
0 an intensive study
hopeful that the
1oprent of this
is they case, it is
s of the committee
this ?aster Parks
I have reviewed the attendance records o alt Members from January
1, 1981 until the most recent Special 11.'ise, Coninittee meeting
on Wednesday evening September 76 as fe'_lc zs?
Absent
5
1
2 Resigned
4
Resi gned
Resigned
1
f
1
7
4
0 New Member
1 ,f_ ; i. s concern for the attendance
Both the chairman and vice-
__. c, the trpression that in the
I c ' t hesr_ r embers who upear. to.
,t%c.rc' ng. If this is not the
±»> Committee should be
it t i c.re rel t lers to encourage
cr ev , c%-r by the council is
SPECIAL MEETING %i THE ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
Wedne4day, September 16, 1981
Members present: Martin,Masin,Carroll, ThurstOn, McNeely, Johnson,
Fedde, also present was ,the Director of Parks and Recreation. Absent:
Thomas
Chairman Martin called the meeting to,order at 7:10 P.M. A brief re-
view for the Advisory Committee members' the work that had been completed
by the study committee on the Master Parks Plan. He called their
attention to the various reeds that had been identified by the study
committee to be included in the development of a master plan and study
and presented a draft of a letter from the Advisory Committee to the
City Council. He indicated that evenings task was to review the
draft of a letter for further refinement and transmittal to the City
Council. And, how and . w}ci a recummondation to the Council would be
made.
The Advisory Committee began to - ;evicw the draft of the letter to the
City Council. Each paragraph wa!=, read aloud.with comments and discussion
on each item to insure its completeness Several comments were offered
by the members of the Advisory Committee to insure that the council
was made aware of the fact that the master plan was an essential item
for the City at this ,time because of the critical period of growth in
-which the City, is currently involved in.
After lengthy review of the letter with several rewritten paragraphs.
There was a motion byFedde, seconded by Carroll to submit the letter
and foretheTorposes of developing a system wide Master
Park Plan for the City of'Eagdn, estimated at the cost of $35,000.00
to be Submitted to the council at the earliest opportunity. Members
discussed the importance Of the letterdnd the issue and agreed that
it would'beadvisable for MemherS of the Advisory Committee to be
- present at the time of presentation to the City Council if at all
possible.
There being no further bufeiness to dIFenss, motion was made with all
members accepting that the meting adjourn at 8:55 P.M.
Committee Member Absences - Memos
Page 2
I would be happy to review this ,listing with ',ou and discuss the process
the City should take in encouraging these meri'ers to continue in a
steady attendance at committee meetings. Per ",aps a "written statement"
from the council establishing its guidelines rn attendance for both
the parks and planning committee; would be appropriate.