DAKOTA COUNTY PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Meeting Minutes May 12, 2015 Dakota County Western Service Center Conference Room 106, 14955 Galaxie Avenue, Apple Valley, MN Call To Order And Roll Call Commissioner Mike Slavik Commissioner Kathleen A. Gaylord Commissioner Thomas A. Egan Commissioner Nancy Schouweiler Commissioner Liz Workman Commissioner Mary Liz Holberg Commissioner Chris Gerlach Also in attendance: Brandt Richardson, County Manager; Jay Stassen, Assistant County Attorney; Steven C. Mielke, Physical Development Division Director; and Jeni Reynolds, Administrative Coordinator. The meeting was called to order at 11:11 a.m. by Commissioner Schouweiler. Introductions Chair Schouweiler introduced two new staff members from the Physical Development Division. Audience Chair Schouweiler asked if there was anyone in the audience who wished to address the Committee of the Whole on an issue not on the agenda or to discuss an item on the consent agenda. No one came forward. Approval Of Agenda On a motion by Commissioner Mike Slavik, seconded by Commissioner Mary Liz Holberg, the agenda was unanimously approved. Consent Agenda On a motion by Commissioner Thomas A. Egan, seconded by Commissioner Mike Slavik, the consent agenda was unanimously approved as follows: 5.1 Approval Of Minutes 5.2 Plat Commission Update This item was on the agenda for informational purposes only. 5.3 Planning Commission Update This item was on the agenda for informational purposes only.
May 12, 2015 Page 2 5.4 Authorization To Execute Joint Powers Agreement With City Of Apple Valley For North Creek Greenway McAndrews Road To Johnny Cake Ridge Road WHEREAS, on October 18, 2011 (Resolution No. 11-517), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners adopted the North Creek Regional Greenway Master Plan; and WHEREAS, the McAndrews Road (County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 38) to Johnny Cake Ridge Road segment of the North Creek Greenway will provide an important link from Lebanon Hills Regional Park to the Minnesota Zoo (MN Zoo); and WHEREAS, Dakota County was awarded $1,100,000 in federal Transportation Enhancement funds in 2011 to construct this segment of the North Creek Greenway; and WHEREAS, the completed project will facilitate access to the MN Zoo and provide a safe crossing of CSAH 38 and links to the surrounding pedestrian system; and WHEREAS, the trail alignment for the North Creek Greenway results in portions of the trail falling within the City of Apple Valley right of way at Zoo Boulevard; and WHEREAS, staff recommends execution of a joint powers agreement (JPA) with the City of Apple Valley for the construction, use, maintenance, and occupancy of the North Creek Greenway from CSAH 38 to Johnny Cake Ridge Road. Physical Development Director to execute a JPA with the City of Apple Valley for the construction by Dakota County, at its own cost, of the North Creek Greenway CSAH 38 to Johnny Cake Ridge Road (County Project 97-143) within the City of Apple Valley, subject to approval by the County Attorney s Office as to form. Regular Agenda 6.1 Update And Authorization To Execute Joint Powers Agreement With Minnesota Zoo For North Creek Greenway - McAndrews Road To Johnny Cake Ridge Road Chris Hartzell, Senior Project Manager Trails and Transportation briefed this item and responded to questions. On a motion by Commissioner Chris Gerlach, seconded by Commissioner Liz Workman, the following resolution was unanimously recommended to the County Board: WHEREAS, on October 18, 2011 (Resolution No. 11-517), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners adopted the North Creek Regional Greenway Master Plan; and WHEREAS, the McAndrews Road (County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 38) to Johnny Cake Ridge Road segment of the North Creek Greenway will provide an important link from Lebanon Hills Regional Park to the Minnesota Zoo; and WHEREAS, Dakota County was awarded $1,100,000 in federal Transportation Enhancement funds in 2011 to construct this segment of the North Creek Greenway; and WHEREAS, the completed project will facilitate access to the Minnesota Zoo and provide a safe crossing of CSAH 38 and links to the surrounding pedestrian system; and WHEREAS, the trail alignment for the North Creek Greenway results in portions of the trail falling within the
May 12, 2015 Page 3 Minnesota Zoo right of way; and WHEREAS, staff recommends execution of a joint powers agreement with the Minnesota Zoo for the right of way, construction, use, maintenance, and occupancy of the North Creek Greenway from CSAH 38 to Johnny Cake Ridge Road. Physical Development Director to execute a joint powers agreement with the Minnesota Zoo for the construction by Dakota County of the North Creek Greenway CSAH 38 to Johnny Cake Ridge Road (CP 97-143) within the City of Apple Valley, subject to approval by the County Attorney s Office as to form. 6.2 Direction On Proposed Scope, Process And Schedule For Parks Visitor Services Strategic Operations Plan Mary Jackson, Senior Planner and Beth Landahl, Manager of Parks Operations and Education briefed this item and responded to questions. On a motion by Commissioner Thomas A. Egan, seconded by Commissioner Chris Gerlach, the following resolution was unanimously recommended to the County Board: WHEREAS, the 2008 Dakota County Parks System Plan: Great Places, Connected Places, Protected Places recommended that Dakota County prepare a park system operations plans to refine recreation services and develop a more strategic approach for service delivery; and WHEREAS, a 2015 County Board Priority includes the preparation of a Parks Visitor Services Strategic Operations Plan (VSSOP); and WHEREAS, the 2016 Parks Visitor Services Strategic Operations Plan (VSSOP) is proposed to develop: 1) an updated understanding of public expectations for recreation and services for County Parks; 2) an inclusive vision for recreation services in Dakota County Parks that maintains a strong system identity, retains current visitors, and offers opportunities for new visitors; and 3) a responsive implementation plan for providing the preferred recreation levels of service that identify operational needs and strategic approaches for effective and sustainable service delivery; and WHEREAS, a proposed project scope has been developed for County Board review and direction, and includes recreation activities and services, outdoor education, events, rentals, public information, marketing, engagement, volunteerism, and customer service; and WHEREAS, a proposed project process has been developed for County Board review and direction, and includes the following phases: 1) project approach, 2) assessment and analysis, 3) reassessment, 4) service model alternatives, 5) draft plan, and 6) plan adoption; and WHEREAS, engagement of the Dakota County Planning Commission as the primary advisory group is proposed, to be supplemented with stakeholder focus groups and public workshops; and WHEREAS, consultant services will be used throughout the project for research, planning, public outreach, engagement of underserved audiences, and plan preparation. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby approves the proposed Visitor Services Strategic Operations Plan scope, process, and advisory body structure, as presented at the May 12, 2015, Physical Development Committee meeting; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby amends the 2015
May 12, 2015 Page 4 County Board Priority milestones to reflect the approved project scope, process and schedule. 6.3 Direction To Prepare Joint Powers Agreements With City Of Inver Grove Heights For Mendota To Lebanon Hills Greenway - Trail Construction With Blackstone Vista And Blackstone Ponds Developments John Mertens, Senior Planner briefed this item and responded to questions. On a motion by Commissioner Kathleen A. Gaylord, seconded by Commissioner Mary Liz Holberg, the following resolution was unanimously recommended to the County Board: WHEREAS, Dakota County has adopted a master plan for the Mendota to Lebanon Hills Regional Greenway; and WHERAS, Dakota County has adopted Greenway Guidelines with a goal of preserving greenway corridors in coordination with land development; and WHEREAS, the City of Inver Grove Heights and Ryland Homes are preparing a development agreements that will design and construct the Mendota to Lebanon Hills Regional Greenway in Northwest Inver Grove Heights; and WHEREAS, Dakota County has an opportunity to fund the acquisition and construction of the regional trail for $660,000; and WHEREAS, the overall value of the Mendota to Lebanon Hills Regional Greenway project is estimated at $860,000; and WHEREAS, the approved Dakota County Capital Improvement Program includes funding for greenway collaborative projects. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby directs staff to prepare joint powers agreements with the City of Inver Grove Heights for the development of the Mendota to Lebanon Hills Regional Greenway; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners directs staff to return to the County Board for approval of final agreements that total $660,000 and a 10% contingency. 6.4 Authorization To Release Draft River To River Greenway Master Plan For Public Review John Mertens, Senior Planner briefed this item and responded to questions. On a motion by Commissioner Thomas A. Egan, seconded by Commissioner Mike Slavik, the following resolution was unanimously recommended to the County Board: WHEREAS, the 2008, Dakota County Park System Plan identifies the River to River Greenway as a priority corridor; and WHEREAS, the County Board adopted the Greenway Guidebook that establishes a collaborative approach for developing a comprehensive integrated network of greenways in Dakota County; and WHEREAS, a technical advisory committee was formed consisting of staff from Dakota County and partner agencies; and WHEREAS, staff held a public open house on February 4, 2015, to receive public comments on proposed corridor
May 12, 2015 Page 5 improvements; and WHEREAS, the draft plan has been developed to satisfy the Metropolitan Council requirements for regional park and trail plans; and WHEREAS, on April 23, 2015, the Dakota County Planning Commission reviewed and recommended public release of the draft River to River Greenway Master Plan. release of the River to River Regional Greenway Master Plan for a 30-day public review and comment period commencing May 19, 2015. Division Director Update Steven C. Mielke, Physical Development Director provided the update and responded to questions. Adjournment On a motion by Commissioner Mike Slavik, seconded by Commissioner Kathleen A. Gaylord, the meeting was adjourned at 12:46 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Jeni Reynolds Administrative Coordinator Physical Development Division