Eagan City Council Special Meeting – March 11, 2025

The Eagan City Council held a special workshop meeting on March 11, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the Eagan Municipal Center. The council heard presentations on the Community Conversations student conference, the draft Climate Action Plan, the Parks Master Plan update, and a proposed alternative landscaping ordinance amendment. No formal actions were taken on these items; the council directed staff on next steps.

Consent Calendar

• There was no consent calendar. The council adopted the meeting agenda unanimously (motion, second, no opposition).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No visitors to be heard on items not on the agenda.

Discussion Items

Community Conversations – Student Conference

• Sarah Aylig (as transcribed), with consultants Paula and Robin from the Finding Human Institute, reported on the first Community Conversation held February 19 at Black Hawk Middle School. The initiative asks: "What can we each do to ensure Eagan is an inclusive community where everyone thrives?"
• Students from Two Rivers High School and Eagan High School shared their experiences. Evangeline Fuentes said she valued the small group because of deeper connections. Olivia Conavati called it "an amazing opportunity to hear from peers." Gabriella Wallace appreciated the personal conversations. Henry Stein said he learned how to improve his own community in Mendota Heights. Jay Wynn said it was insightful to discuss what makes a city lovable.
• Osvaldo, an Eagan High School student, described his experience as a first-generation Latino student, saying Eagan has become a "safe haven" for Latino people and emphasized the need for more diversity and affordable housing. A second student echoed the need for affordable housing and diverse housing types to attract young people.
• Consultant Paula noted that some expected student participation from Eagan and Burnsville did not materialize because of fear of "being on a list" after recent national events, a drop in student attendance and participation in DEI activities, the cold weather, and busy schedules.
• The next community conversations will be hosted in homes, with a public spring summit on April 3.

Climate Action Plan Update

• Director Andrew Pimentel, Jillian, and Ted Redman of Pale Blue Dot presented the draft Climate Action Plan after about 14 months of work. Engagement included 960 participants, eight community meetings, two online surveys, 64 planning team members, and five foundational research documents.
• Survey data: 85% of respondents were concerned about climate change; 77% agreed the city should prepare for impacts; 75% agreed the city should reduce emissions; 72% agreed the city should be a leader; 88% observed impacts; 79% said they were personally impacted.
• The plan sets three overarching goals: 55% reduction in community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, 100% renewable electricity for municipal buildings by 2035, and net zero emissions by 2050. Sector goals include a 48% transportation/land-use emissions reduction, 117% increase in transit commuters, 15% electric vehicle registration, 4% population density increase, 60% buildings/energy emissions reduction, 23% waste emissions reduction, 10% water sector reduction, and 10% tree canopy increase.
• Emissions: baseline year 2014; 2022 emissions were just over one million metric tons. Successful implementation would reduce emissions to 567,000 metric tons by 2035 (a 55.7% reduction), avoiding over 4.2 million metric tons cumulatively.
• Public review: 51 website visitors, 19 individuals reviewed the plan, and 18 reviews were received; none disagreed with the plan overall; 80% agreed completely with sector focuses; 65% agreed completely with plan strategies.
• Councilmembers discussed implementation timelines, partnerships, and cost/savings methodology. The mayor asked how many strategies have clear city champions; Jillian said fewer than 20% require heavy outside partnerships and a public dashboard is planned.
• Next steps: incorporate feedback; SEAC will consider the final plan April 8; council action scheduled April 15.

Parks Master Plan Update

• Andrew Pimentel and Kevin Clark of HKGA presented the 10-year Park Master Plan update. The plan is transitioning from a growing to a mature system focused on asset replacement and maintenance.
• Existing conditions: 95% of residents rated parks/recreation as good or excellent; 89% live within a 10-minute walk of a park; Eagan ranks in the top quartile for park acres per 1,000 residents and residents per park.
• About 80% of playgrounds will reach 20 years old within 10 years; 60% or more will need replacement. The city replaces roughly two playgrounds per year, and some assets have exceeded expected lifespan. The city is building a GIS inventory with condition ratings.
• Council discussion included concerns about maintaining park ratios if population density increases, the possibility of a soccer dome/field house, and volunteer opportunities. Andrew cited recent successes: shelters, the all-play playground, splash pad, public art, and Goat Hill.
• Next steps: focus groups, online engagement (Social Pinpoint), and community center intercepts; a joint APRC/council presentation in September/October and formal adoption in November/December.

Alternative Landscaping Ordinance Review

• Jill (as transcribed) presented a draft ordinance to comply with 2023 state law (Minn. Stat. § 412.925) allowing managed natural landscapes. The city's existing ordinance—limiting non-turf to 50% and requiring a 3-foot turf/fence buffer—is inconsistent with state law.
• The draft defines managed natural landscapes, creates a five-year registration with a site plan, species list, and maintenance plan, and allows city abatement of unmanaged vegetation or noxious weeds. Registrations can be revoked after two abatements in five years, with a two-year ineligibility and cost assessment.
• Councilmembers expressed frustration with the state law's limits, especially the lack of buffer standards and potential for invasive weeds. Councilmember Bachman said the law is "dumb" and asked about an 8-inch maintained buffer adjacent to property lines and structures; staff agreed to ask the city attorney about that and about property transfers.
• The council asked staff to bring the answers to the April work session (April 1) and to place the ordinance on the second April council agenda for action. Staff will also develop a communications plan but may wait until after summer lessons.

Key Outcomes

• Adopted the agenda unanimously; no visitors were heard.
• Climate Action Plan: council feedback will be incorporated; SEAC review April 8; final council action April 15.
• Parks Master Plan: continued community engagement; final presentation and adoption later in 2025.
• Landscaping ordinance: staff to research two legal questions and return to council in April; then proceed with adoption.