05/17/2010 - Advisory Parks & Recreation CommissionMay 17, 2010
7:00 PM
Eagan Municipal Center
City Council Chambers
AGENDA
ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
I. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
II. Adopt Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of April 19, 2010
IV. Visitors to be Heard
V. Director's Update
VI. Consent Agenda
VII. Development Proposals
VIII. Old Business
IX. New Business
X. Other Business and Reports
A. Partner Presentation — Dakota Center for the Arts /Eagan Art Festival
XI. Communications
XII. Round Table
XIII. Adjournment
Annual Organizational Business
2020 Plan Overview
Pages 3 -4
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The City of Eagan is committed to the policy that all persons have equal access to its programs, services, activities, facilities, and
employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation,
or status with regard to public assistance. Auxiliary aids for disabled persons wishing to participate are available upon request
at least 96 hours in advance of the event. If a notice of less than 96 hours is received, the City will attempt to provide the aids.
Next Advisory Parks Commission Meeting
June 1492010
NAME
May
17
Jun
14
July
19
Aug
16
Sept
20
Oct
18
Nov
15
Dec
20
Jan
13
Thurs
Feb
10
Thurs
Mar
14
Apr
18
May
16
Rebecca Aanning
Phil Belfiori
Jennifer Dahlquist
Laurie Halverson
Michael Palmer
ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
2010 -2011 MEETING SCHEDULE
X = present 0 = absent 0* = notified staff of absence prior to meeting
Recreation Sub - Committee
Natural Resources Sub - Committee
Acquisition/
Development Sub - Committee
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
OPEN ISSUES:
Subject to approval
A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on April 19, 2010.
Commission Members present: Rebecca Aaning, Thor Anderson, Phil Belfiori, Jennifer Dahlquist, Bruce Goff, Duane
Hansen and Michael Palmer. Member Halverson was not present. Staff members present included: Superintendent of
Operations Cherryl Mesko, Superintendent of Parks Paul Olson, Recreation Program Manager Paula Nowariak and
Recreation Supervisor Kerry Phillips.
Member Goff moved, Member Hansen seconded, with all members present voting in favor to approve the agenda as
presented.
There were no visitors to be heard.
ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
EAGAN. MINNESOTA
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF APRIL 19, 2010
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MARCH 15, 2010
Member Goff moved, Member Belfiori seconded, with all present members voting in favor to approve the minutes
March 15, 2010.
VISITORS TO BE HEARD
DIRECTOR'S DEPARTMENT UPDATE
Superintendent Olson highlighted the service building construction in Central Park just north of the Eagan
Community Center. He stated that the concrete has been poured and the walls should be going up within the week with a late
summer completion expected. Olson also noted that the Toro Company is back this year using the turf for demonstration
purposes to test out their machines, irrigation systems are ready for the time when they need to be used in the parks, and that
restrooms in park buildings will not be open until after Memorial Day due to staffing and budget.
Superintendent Olson spoke of the Federal stimulus grant, which was received last year for energy improvements to
several government buildings. Improvements focus on lighting, water and air systems with all improvements scheduled to be
finished by mid July Olson also noted the Emerald Ash borer grant, stating that approximately 100 trees were taken down in
the Cedar Grove area and will be replaced with more desirable trees. Some of the money will be used to treat approximately
300 park trees and replace 35 high at risk trees. Member Palmer asked if people have been advised to plant another species
of tree to replace the ash and Superintendent Olson replied that people should contact the Forestry department for a list of
different trees to choose from, as it is all dependent upon where in the city you live. Superintendent Olson added an update
on the annual Buckthorn project and concluded with the importance of not trimming Oak trees because of the high risk of
Oak wilt at this time of year.
Superintendent of Operations Cherryl Mesko highlighted several upcoming events; the Annual Ice Show at the Civic
Arena on Saturday May 1 with show times at 2:00 & 6:30 pm , the Holz Farm Spring Festival and Arbor Day celebrations
that will take place on Sunday May 16 from 11:00 am — 4:00 pm and the Eagan Foundation wine tasting event on Thursday
April 22 ".Superintendent Mesko also highlighted Art House and Preschool Programs noting that the number of participants
are increasing which is a reflection of all the wonderful programs recreation has to offer. She finished with an update on the
Civic Arena geothermal projec.
Member Goff asked how the Woodhaven community garden plots were different from the plots offered at Bridle
Ridge Park. Superintendent Olson responded by saying that the Woodhaven project is run by the Eagan Resource Center
who operates the food shelf in Eagan, and are working with families who use the food shelves to teach them how to grow
fresh produce on their own as well as helping with their gardening skills.
Advisory Parks Commission
April 19, 2010
Page 2
CONSENT AGENDA
Member Goff moved that May 16 should be set as Arbor Day and May as Arbor Month in the City of Eagan.
Member Anderson seconded, with all members voting in favor to approve.
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
There were no Development Proposals for the Commission to review.
OLD BUSINESS
Close the 30 -day public comment period for Art in public spaces.
Superintendent Mesko reminded the Commission that they had opened a 30 day public comment period at their
March 15 meeting to respond to a plan to place a heros' memorial in a public park. The 30 day period expired on April 15
and Mesko stated there were no comments received from the public. Having noted that there were no comments from the
public, Member Hansen moved to close the 30 -day public comment period for the request to place art in public spaces.
Member Anning seconded with all members in favor.
Member Palmer moved to make a recommendation to the City Council to move forward with the March 15
proposal to place the Hero's Memorial at the identified location in Central Park. Member Aaning seconded, with all
members voting in favor. Member Belfiori thanked Margo Danner for her Leadership with this project.
There were no new business items for the Commission to review.
Superintendent Mesko introduced Recreation Program Manager Paula Nowariak and Recreation Supervisor Kerry
Phillips to provide a recreation program update. Manager Nowariak gave a brief overview highlighting the Discover the
Value Campaign focusing on the value of partnerships within the City of Eagan. One of the highlights included a brief video
of children in an after school program being conducted by staff from Dakota Hills Middle school and professionals from The
Brave New Workshop Improv Company. Supervisor Phillips touched on the volunteer partnership with Rasmussen College
noting that they had helped out with more than 75% of the volunteers for the Halloween Hodgepodge and will be
volunteering help with the registrations and water stations at the upcoming Fun Run event on Saturday May 15 Rasmussen
College representatives shared their perspective of the value of encouraging their students to become involved in the
community. To their delight the college has seen a great interest in expanded volunteerism and appreciated the opportunity to
partner with the City of Eagan for many events during the year.
Member Anderson asked how many kids took place in the Brave New Workshop. Manager Nowariak responded
that 30 -40 kids participated in that program. Member Belfiori thanked everyone for a very nice presentation.
There were no Communications items to review.
NEW BUSINESS
OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS
COMMUNICATIONS
Advisory Parks Commission
April 19, 2010
Page 3
ROUND TABLE
Member Belfiori thanked Commission Members Duane Hansen and Thor Anderson for their years of service on the
Commission. Member Palmer mentioned that the Arena Softball season is wrapping up with great participation and once
again was run excellently. Member Hansen thanked everyone for the nice words and stated it has been a pleasure serving on
the commission for the last 6 years. Member Anderson thanked fellow commission members and staff, stating that although
he has only served on the commission for a little while he has definitely learned a lot and encouraged anyone to become a
commission member. Member Dahlquist acknowledged Director Johnson who was absent from the meeting due to the fact
she was running the Boston Marathon.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to conduct, Member Hansen moved, Member Anderson seconded, with all members voting
in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:36 p.m.
Secretary Date
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
Workshop: 6:30 — 7:00 p.m.
2A &B
Annual Organizational Business
2020 Plan Overview
7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting
ITEM I:
ITEM II:
ITEM III: Approval of minutes of April 19, 2010
ITEM IV:
ITEM V:
ITEM VI:
ITEM VII:
ITEM VIII:
ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
JULI SEYDELL JOHNSON, DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION
May 14, 2010
Call to order
Approval of agenda
Visitors to be Heard
Staff is not aware of any visitors who wish to address the Commission at this
time.
Director's Update
Director Johnson will provide a brief overview of activities and events within the
department.
Consent Agenda
There are no Consent Agenda items for the Commission to review.
Development Proposals
There are no Development Agenda items for the Commission to review.
Old Business
There are no Old Business items for the Commission to review.
ITEM IX: New Business
There are no New Business items for the Commission to review.
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ITEM X: Other Business and Reports
The Dakota Center for the Arts Board will provide an overview of their
partnership with Eagan Parks and Recreation.
ITEM XI: Communications
Enclosed is an invitation to attend a legacy funding workshop hosted by Dakota
and Scott Counties on Thursday, May 20.
ITEM XII: Round Table
Any items of concern that might be placed on upcoming agendas or items of
interest will be identified.
ITEM XIII: Adjournment
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MAY 2010
DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS
STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY IMAGE AND SENSE OF PLACE
• The GPS Amazing Race Challenge took place on Saturday, April 24 with 44 teams participating.
This year teams had to complete eight team challenges, two in each of the following S.O.R.R.
cities: Eagan, Apple Valley, Farmington & Rosemount.
• The new Festival Grounds Pavilion (Central Park) is taking shape, the building and roof forms are
nearly complete, completion is expected by approximately August 1
• Reminder, restrooms associated with park buildings will not be open on a daily schedule until after
Memorial Day, when staff is available to service them. Portable toilets are available at most of the
major sites.
• The 55+ /Seniors membership has added on 160 new members so far this year and the Lone Oak
Room is packed with programs.
• The Annual ice show was held at the Eagan Civic Arena on May 1 We had over 450 guests per
show with 75 skaters participating.
SUPPORT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
• Staff is continuing to work with a wireless transmission company that wants to install a monopole
in Northview Park. If it becomes reality, part of the compensation being considered would be
lighting 3 of the tennis courts, nothing has been finalized yet.
• The Toro Company is once again using Eagan parks as mower test sites. They mow many acres
which makes it a win /win for both parties. This, it important to note that not every red mower
belongs to the City and Toro staff does sometimes mow on an alternate schedule including
weekends.
• Three large kids -item sales took place at the Eagan Community Center; two in April and one in
May. All three had great turnouts and will be back in the fall.
• The Minnesota Judo tournament was held again at the Eagan Civic Arena on May 1st
PROMOTE HEALTH AND WELLNESS
• The 25 Annual Eagan Fun Run was May 15 with a new 2 & 5 mile course at the Eagan
Community Center. Close to 350 runners pre- registered for the race and with nice weather
predicted more registrations that day are expected . Class participants from the Eagan Women's
Beginning Intro to Running class ran their first 2 -mile race of the season at the Fun Run and also
volunteered as course monitors along the 5 -mile course.
• The 55+ /Senior program will be offering fitness testing to all current participants in the health and
wellness classes.
• Nordic Walking program has added on an extra evening of instruction to meet the needs of
55+ /Seniors who are still working.
• The Mission: Possible, 12 -week, weight loss challenge completed in early May with 64 participants
conducting their final weigh -in to accumulate a total of 617 pounds lost. With 140 participants in
the program, it was a successful first -time program.
• The ECC will offer a 90 -day fitness center pass for $90 that can be purchased May 15 — June 30.
• The ECC will host the next "Healthy Conversations" on Wednesday, May 26 from 6 -7pm that will
discuss The Influence of Exercise on Mental Health with Becky Wilken RN, BSN.
PROTECT ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES
• Replacement trees for the 100 large boulevard Ash trees removed in the Grove area will be
installed as soon as conditions allow. The program is funded through a State grant intended to
slow the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer
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• Many large Ash trees within parks that are in poor condition are also being removed, most will
not be replaced
• The resident Buckthorn pickup program is up and running and as popular as ever. Interested
residents should contact the Tree Inspector at 651- 675 -5334 to arrange a site visit
• Energy conservation improvements funded through a Federal Recovery grant are well
underway in a number of City buildings including the ECC. Improvements include water
conserving fixtures, new light fixtures, caulking and sealing and HVAC modifications. P/R
staff is coordinating the effort.
• The early spring we had prompted a flush of grass growth, because many seasonal staff will not
start until the end of May the focus for mowing has been on sites with scheduled activities.
Some sites may start to look a little shaggy around the edges...it's temporary
• Geothermal project at the Civic Arena is right on schedule. Well drilling is almost complete,
the new west arena floor is well underway and everything is expected to be operational in time
for an early July tournament.
FACILITATE COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
• Plans are underway for the Eagan Market Fest event which opens on Wednesday, June 30 at 4 pm
with a free reusable shopping bag giveaway to the first 250 shoppers. The market is also entered
in America's Favorite Farmer's Market Contest through American Farmland Trust with voting
beginning June 1s through August 31s and people can vote at www.farmlandtrust.org /vote . The
contest will be promoted to shoppers through the market season, so please visit the market to see
what is new!
• The Eagan Art House hosted a training session on board development coordinated by the
Metropolitan Regional Arts Council. 20 arts leaders from organizations throughout the metro
attended the event on April 20
• The 16 annual Eagan Art Festival is scheduled for June 26 and 27 at the Community Center
Festival Grounds. The event will include up to 100 artists, food, entertainment, artist
demonstrations and free hands on art activities for kids. The festival is celebrating Eagan's 150
birthday with folk art themed activities and a drop off location for the Eagan Resource Center food
drive.
PROVIDE RECREATION EXPERIENCES
• The Adapted Softball /T -ball program which ran April 11 — May 16 had 34 children participate.
This class has been our highest attended adapted program in the last 3 years. Six adult and high
school volunteers committed to the 6 week session mentoring kids in the class. The last class is
May 16 and players from the St. Paul Saints will be special visitors to hand out the end of class
awards and to give autographs.
• Golf programs are being offered through Lost Spur, Mendota Heights Par 3 and Parkview this year.
• Dakota Hills Middle School student participants in the after school program enjoyed a day camp
experience at Camp Sacajawea. For many, it was their first time roasting marshmallows and
hotdogs over an open fire. A fishing experience on May 12 also connected youth to nature.
KUDO TO STAFF:
• Kudos to Steve Hadden from the Maintenance Department for taking the initiative to scout out and
thoroughly plan new 2 & 5 mile route options for the Eagan Fun Run based at the Eagan Community
Center.
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
• The Summer -Fall brochure hit the streets May 10 -15.
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News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Steve Sullivan, Dakota County Parks and Open Space director, 952- 891 -7088
May 11,2010
Be part of a legacy
Dakota and Scott Counties host legacy funding workshop
Minnesotans passed an amendment in 2008 that provides millions of dollars for state and regional parks
and trails. Residents are invited to a workshop to share their ideas for how the funding should be used.
The workshop is from 7 -9 p.m. on Thursday, May 20 at McColl Pond Environmental Learning Center,
13550 Dakota Ave. S., Savage.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, which is responsible for developing the long -term plan
for how parks and trails funds from the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment will be used and will
gather information from residents. The Department of Natural Resources staff will present the final plan
to the Minnesota Legislature in February 2011. It will raise approximately $40 million for projects
throughout the state. In 2009, the Legislature allocated $1.9 million to Dakota County and $546,000 to
Scott County for parks and trails over the next two years.
The workshop is one of 17 regional meetings planned by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
in partnership with the Citizens League. During the workshop, University of Minnesota staff will also
provide information about existing state and regional parks and trails.
For more information about the plan, visit www.patl.intergov.mn.gov. For the status of the plan or to
provide input, visit www.citizing.com.
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