Eagan Advisory Parks Commission Meeting - May 18, 2026

The Advisory Parks Commission met at Moonshine Park on May 18, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The commission approved routine items, heard public comments on invasive species management, received a communication and engagement presentation, elected officers, and approved a park dedication for the Pines Landing development.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was approved by unanimous voice vote.
• The meeting minutes from April 21, 2026 were approved by unanimous voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jessica McMahon and Catherine Brown, Eagan residents, expressed strong support for establishing a repeated native plant restoration and invasive species removal program in Eagan parks. They noted that many Eagan residents volunteer with Dakota County at Lebanon Hills but would prefer to volunteer in Eagan if such a program existed. Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Jared Flewellen stated that the city has a robust volunteer program and that invasive removal has been a goal that has not yet materialized, and he welcomed further discussion.

Presentations

• New commissioners were introduced by Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Jared Flewellen: Chantelle Fehlandt (occupational therapist, founder of Branch Outdoors), Kelly Hjulberg (University of Minnesota student), and Mehry Khodarahmi (accounting controller).
• Ryan Rupp, digital media and marketing specialist, presented a communication and engagement update. Highlights included a 2024 community survey of nearly 500 residents showing a 96% satisfaction rating for parks and recreation (67% excellent, 29% good, 4% fair). He reviewed 2025 marketing efforts (Eagan Art House, electric bike safety, Discover Eagan digital transition) and reported social media reach benchmarks rising to 20,000–25,000 from 10,000–15,000, over 80% of email recipients regularly opening city emails, and 140–150 new email subscribers per month. Upcoming 2026 priorities include Eagan Community Center improvements, the new parks master plan, Cascade Bay, Food Truck Festival, and Eagan Market Fest’s 20th season.

Discussion Items

• Officer elections were held. Palmer was re-elected as Chair by voice vote. Deanne Merley was elected Vice Chair. Linda was elected Secretary.
• Andrew Pimental, Parks and Recreation Director, presented a development review for Pines Landing, a proposed seven-lot single-family subdivision on four acres adjacent to Holtz Farm. Key details included significant tree removal subject to the city’s tree mitigation ordinance, a wetland conservation easement, and two variances (lot width and cul-de-sac length). The commission’s role was to consider park and trail dedication. Discussion touched on buffering and tree screening near Holtz Farm, with staff noting that tree mitigation funds could support replanting in the area. The commission unanimously moved to accept cash dedication for parks and trails for the net six additional lots at the current per-unit rate of $4,735.

Round Table

• Members offered updates and welcomed the new commissioners. One member highlighted the Spring Festival at Holtz Farm, noting an older couple who had lived in Eagan for 50 years and were unaware of the farm.

Staff Reports

• Jared Flewellen announced that summer program registration is open, with all programs available at DiscoverEgan.com. He noted that part-time summer staff onboarding is underway, including 60 Cascade Bay employees and dozens of recreation leaders and maintenance staff.

Key Outcomes

• Agenda and April minutes approved unanimously.
• Public comments on invasive species removal will be followed up by staff.
• Officers elected: Chair Palmer, Vice Chair Deanne Merley, Secretary Linda.
• Pines Landing cash park/trail dedication approved unanimously.
• Summer registration open; 60 Cascade Bay staff being onboarded.