06/14/2010 - Advisory Parks & Recreation CommissionJune 14, 2010
7:00 PM
Eagan Municipal Center
City Council Chambers
Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
Adopt Agenda
Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of May 17, 2010
Visitors to be Heard
Director's Update
Consent Agenda
Development Proposals
Old Business
New Business
Other Business and Reports
A. Partner Presentation — July 4 Fun Fest Committee
B. Partner Presentation — Eagan Senior Board
Communications
Round Table
XIII. Adjournment
AGENDA
ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
TOUR
Civic Arena & Cascade Bay
6:00 - 6:55 p.m.
Meet at Civic Arena front lobby
Tour will begin at 6:00 p.m
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
July 19, 2010
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
X
Phil Belfiori, Vice - Chair
X
Jennifer Dahlquist, Secretary
X
Laurie Halverson, Chair
X
Michael Palmer
X
ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
2010 -2011 MEETING SCHEDULE
X = present 0 = absent O* = notified staff of absence prior to meeting
Recreation Sub - Committee
Natural Resources Sub - Committee
Acquisition/
Development Sub - Committee
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
OPEN ISSUES:
ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
EAGAN, MINNESOTA
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 17, 2010
A regular meeting of the Advisory Parks Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on May 17,
2010. Commission Members present included Rebecca Aaning, Phil Belfiori, Jennifer Dahlquist, Laurie
Halverson, and Michael Palmer. Staff members present included Director Juli Seydell Johnson and Julie
Andersen, Recreation Programmer.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Member Dahlquist moved, Member Aaning seconded, with all members present voting in favor
to approve the agenda as presented.
Member Dahlquist moved, Member Aaning seconded, with all present members voting in favor
to approve the minutes of April 19, 2010.
There were no visitors to be heard.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF APRIL 19, 2010
VISITORS TO BE HEARD
DIRECTOR'S DEPARTMENT UPDATE
Director Johnson started her comments by complimenting the Parks & Recreation staff. She
stated that the Eagan Fun Run was on Saturday, May 15 with approximately 400 participants at the new
location at the ECC this year. She stated that this event was followed by the Holz Farm Spring Festival
on Sunday which was sponsored by the Friends of the Farm in conjunction with the Arbor Day event also
at the Holz Farm. There were approximately 1100 people in attendance. Construction is currently going
on at the Festival Pavilion and the pavilion will be ready for rentals in August. Director Johnson touched
on the subject of the restrooms at the various parks and stated that they will be open for the year starting
Memorial Day weekend. Director Johnson mentioned that the ECC had just completed the "Mission
Possible" healthy weight loss program and 64 participants took part in it losing a total of 617 lbs.
Director Johnson mentioned that the ECC is now running a 90 day ECC membership for $90.00 and has
expanded the opportunity to everyone, where in the past it has only been offered for college students.
Director Johnson provided an update on the emerald ash borer noting that over 100 trees in the Cedar
Grove area have been removed and will be replaced in the very near future. She stated that the emerald
ash borer will continue to be an issue for years to come but the City has been on top of this so far. The
other forestry issue is buckthorn pick -up for'residents. Director Johnson stated that if the residents call
Maintenance and schedule a pick -up date, the City will pick -up the buckthorn debris. Director Johnson
stated that Market Fest will be held again on Wednesdays beginning June 30. She also mentioned the Art
Festival the weekend on June 26 -27 and that Cascade Bay will be opening June 11 and that we are going
to have a great summer.
Eagan Advisory Parks Commission Minutes
May 17, 2010
Page 2
CONSENT AGENDA
There were no Consent Agenda Items for the Commission to review
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
There were no Development Proposals for the Commission to review.
OLD BUSINESS
There were no Old Business Items for the Commission to review.
NEW BUSINESS
There were no New Business Items for the Commission to review.
OTHER BUSINESS AND REPORTS
Department Partner Report — Dakota Center for the Arts/Eagan Art House
Director Johnson spoke briefly regarding the Dakota Center for the Arts and the Eagan Art House
and introduced Recreation Programmer Julie Andersen and Terry Davis who is the Chairman of the
Dakota Center for the Arts/Eagan Art House. Julie Andersen spoke first and discussed a short history of
the Center dating back to 1961. She stated that the City acquired the Lillian McCarthy house, which
became the Eagan Art House, and took the house over upon her death in 1997. She further stated that in
1999, the Center for the Arts and the Eagan Art house merged and became one entity. This merger
resulted in benefits to the Art House such as financial and supplies support. Terry Davis then spoke
regarding a brief history of his affiliation with both the Art House and the Center for the Arts as well as
the Eagan Art Festival. He went on to discuss the various partnerships that the Eagan Art House
participates in with various organizations. He discussed the importance of promoting the arts in the City
as well as in the entire county. Chair Halverson thanked both speakers for their information.
COMMUNICATIONS
Director Johnson stated that commission members had an invitation in their packets for a seminar
from Dakota and Scott counties regarding legacy funding.
Eagan Advisory Parks Commission Minutes
May 17, 2010
Page 3
ROUND TABLE
Member Aaning stated she had participated in the Eagan Fun Run and she felt it was a great event
and very well run. Chair Halverson congratulated Members Aaning and Dahlquist on their participation
in the Fun Run and stated that some members of the Commission took Director Johnson's running class
and they enjoyed it.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to conduct, Member Halverson moved, Member Palmer seconded, with
all members voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Secretary Date
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
Tour: 6:00 -6:55 p.m.
Please meet at the Civic Arena lobby.
The building tour will begin at 6 p.m. followed by a walk
to Cascade Bay for a tour of the water park.
7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting
ITEM I:
ITEM II:
ITEM III:
ITEM IV:
ITEM V:
ITEM VI:
ITEM VII:
ITEM VIII:
ITEM IX:
ITEM X:
ADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION
JULI SEYDELL JOHNSON, DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION
APRIL 17, 2009
Call to order
Approval of agenda
Approval of minutes of May 17, 2010
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.
New Business
There are no New Business items for the Commission to review.
Other Business and Reports
Two of the department's partner groups will present an overview of their events
and programs; the July 4 Fun Fest Committee and the Eagan Senior Board.
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ITEM XI: Communications
Enclosed in the packet is letter from an Apple Valley resident who attended the
May 16 Holz Farm event and wanted to share her positive experience.
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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JUNE 2010
DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS
STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY IMAGE AND SENSE OF PLACE
• The Grand Opening of the 4 season of the Eagan Market Fest on Wednesday, June 30 from 4 — 8
pm. Free reusable bags will be given to the first 250 shoppers. Many new market products were
added this year including alpaca products & fibers, BBQ sauce, olive spreads, pepper jellies,
homemade lefse, bakery goods and flax products.
Four theme nights will be featured this year including Family Night (7/14), 150 Celebration &
Volunteer Appreciation (7/28), Health & Wellness Night with free community health screenings
(8/4) and Classic Car & Elvis Tribute Night (8/18).
• Work continues on the new Festival Grounds Pavilion. Park staff is doing a portion of the finishing
work at a substantial cost savings. The next major element will be installation of the roof canopy
over the deck area.
• Planning continues for the installation of Veterans Memorial near the new pavilion in Central Park.
The project, funded with State bonding money would include benches, flags, plaques, landscaping
and eventually statues. The project would be completed in the late summer
• The Eagan Art House received a Creative Collaborations grant in the amount of $8,000 from the
Metropolitan Regional Arts Council. The grant will fund a two year project to gather information
through community dialogues, and interactive arts participation to address current and future goals
of the arts in Eagan.
• The Eagan Art Festival will be held on Saturday, June 26 and Sunday, June 27 at the festival
grounds. The event includes nearly 100 artists, free entertainment, art activities and demos for all
ages and a variety of food. The Eagan Resource center will be collecting canned food items.
• Cascade Bay opened for a preview weekend on June 5 and 6 Rained out on Saturday and about
300 in attendance on Sunday. The pool opened for the season on June 11
• The new slide feature at Cascade Bay is expected to be unveiled on Thursday night, June 24 during
a joint event with the Dakota County libraries from 5:30 — 8:30 p.m.
SUPPORT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
• During 2010, there will be 20 tournaments held for soccer, baseball and softball throughout this
summer and fall at our outdoor athletic facilities.
• Energy improvements to City buildings including the ECC, funded by a Department of Energy
grant, are well underway. The next major element will be lighting upgrades that will impact over
2500 fixtures
• Negotiations continue for the installation of a data transmission tower in Northview Park, near the
tennis courts. As part of the compensation package, lighting may be installed on 3 of the tennis
courts
• Wedding season is in full swing at the Community Center, with a record number of outdoor
ceremonies planned this year.
• The ECC welcomed a new regular renter, Faith In Christ Church, who rent several spaces each
Sunday and Wednesday for services, and classes.
• The Civic Arena construction is ahead of schedule. The new rink floor was poured on June 4
PROMOTE HEALTH AND WELLNESS
• Registration for Fall Softball begins June 28 for returning teams and July 6 for new teams. Packets
were sent out all electronically this time.
• Informational packets for fall basketball, flag football and volleyball will be sent out the beginning of
July with registration taking place in August.
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• The Eagan Fun Run was held on May 15 with 420 runners on 2 & 5 mile routes at the new run location
in Central Park.
• 90 day summer fitness membership is available at the ECC for $90
• Healthy Conversations was held at the ECC on May 26 with RN Becky Wilken who discussed
the benefits of exercise on mental health with approximately 25 people.
• T -ball programs will begin on Monday, June 14. 62 children are registered for Daytime T -ball at
Walnut Hill Park, and another 133 children plus 133 parents will play in the evenings at Carnelian
Park.
• Water walking and lap swimming will be offered again this year in the morning before Cascade
Bay opens to the public. Great workout if you've not tried it!
• New Zumba Gold classes for the 55+ /Seniors will start in July with free demonstrations in June.
• Nordic Walking program for 55+ /Seniors is offering Tuesday evening instruction and core
exercises.
PROTECT ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES
• LakeFest 2010 was June 12 from 10 am — 2 pm at Blackhawk Park. This was a collaborative
event planned by Water Resources and Eagan Parks & Recreation staff to celebrate the 20
Anniversary of Water Resources, National Get Outdoors Day and tied in the city's 150
celebration.
• In anticipation of the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer, Forestry staff is continuing the process
of proactive treatment of Ash tree located within open areas of parks or park landscapes. The
process consists of the removal of poor quality tree and chemical treatment of others. There is
no program in place for trees on private property. Residents are urged to treat them following
guidelines that can be found on the City Forestry web site
FACILITATE COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
• The puppet wagon begins the season of free puppet shows on Monday, June 14 and runs through
August 20. Traveling to 7 Parks a week, and special appearances at Lakefest and Marketfest will
all be on the agenda! The Puppet Wagon schedule can be found at
www.cityofeagan /parksandrecreation.com.
PROVIDE RECREATION EXPERIENCES
• A new Adapted Hiking & Nature Crafts program began May 30 through June 24 which has
youth with disabilities hiking a different Eagan park each week and creating a nature craft.
• Tennis leagues, lessons and camps for all ages begin the week of June 7 and continue throughout
the summer. There is still room in many classes. Register now!
• Summer in the Park begins on June 14. There are 525 youth ages 5 -12 registered. This program is .
held at 10 different park locations in Eagan.
• Summer program at Dakota Woodlands will start June 14 and continues through August 17.
Programs are part of the activities under the County Development Block Grant.
KUDO TO STAFF:
Congratulations to Loudi Rivamonte, Recreation Supervisor and Lauren Whitacre, Seasonal Recreation
Leader for receiving an "Apple Award" from the Dakota County United Educators for their work in the
Afterschool program at Dakota Hills Middle School. They were recognized for making a significant
contribution to the school with their time and commitment to the program. Dakota County United
Educators is an organization that is made up of teachers and nurses in District 196. They recognize that the
students are our most important natural resource and that it takes the efforts of an entire community to
ensure that they will be well prepared for their future. Loudi and Lauren were recognized at an Awards
ceremony in May at Falcon Ridge Middle School.
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May 26, 2010
Eagan Parks and Recreation
3830 Pilot Knob Road
Eagan, MN 55122
Dear Parks and Recreation Board:
We visited the Holz Farm on May 16, 2010, for the open house (which you advertised on your city
marquee). We had not visited the farm before. It is a beautiful place; well maintained, very educational
and informative.
It is so nice that the City of Eagan has maintained our heritage and that we are able to tour it right here
in our area. We hope you will always keep it looking great and open to visitors.
Thank you very much and have a great summer.
Sincerely,
Terri Anderson
PO Box 240611
Apple Valley, MN 55124 -0611
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