Dakota County

Physical Development Committee

of the Whole

Minutes

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

9:30 AM

Conference Room 3A, Administration

Center, Hastings

(or following General Government and Policy)

Call to Order and Roll Call

The meeting was called to order at 9:38 a.m. by Commissioner Holberg.

Commissioner Mike Slavik

Present

Commissioner Joe Atkins

Commissioner Laurie Halverson

Commissioner William Droste

Commissioner Liz Workman

Chairperson Mary Liz Holberg

Commissioner Mary Hamann-Roland

Audience

Also in attendance were Heidi Welsch, County Manager; Tom Donely, First Assistant County

Attorney; Georg Fischer, Physical Development Division Director; Liz Hansen, Administrative

Coordinator.

The audio recording of this meeting is available upon request.

Approval of Agenda (Additions/Corrections/Deletions)

Motion: Mary Hamann-Roland

3.1

Second: Mike Slavik

Due to the public's presence regarding item 5.3, Information And Direction On

Existing Acquisition Option On Vance B. Grannis Jr. Trust Property In Inver

Grove Heights, Commissioner Holberg proposed moving this item to be

presented to the committee second.

On a motion by Commissioner Hamann-Roland, seconded by Commissioner

Slavik, the agenda was unanimously approved as amended. The motion carried

unanimously.

Ayes: 7

Consent Agenda

Approval Of Minutes Of Meeting Held On April 15, 2025

4.1

Motion: Joe Atkins

Ayes: 7

Second: Mary Hamann-Roland

Authorization To Amend Contract With HKGi For Miesville Ravine Park Reserve

Site Improvement

4.2

Motion: Joe Atkins

Second: Mary Hamann-Roland

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 23-444 (September 26, 2023), the 2024 -2028

Parks Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Adopted Budget includes a project to

design and construct site developments making Miesville Ravine Park Reserve

(MRPR) a better place to serve the adjacent communities; and

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 24-091 (February 27, 2024), the Dakota County

Board of Commissioners authorized the MRPR Master Plan, which outlines the

site improvement plans; and

WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 24-545 (November 12, 2024), the Board

approved to select HKGi to provide professional design services; and

WHEREAS, since December 2024, staff has worked with a design team led by

HKGi to progress the design and related review process; and

WHEREAS, staff reviewed the initial concept with tribal partners virtually on

February 6, 2025; and

WHEREAS, a public open house was held in person on February 6, 2025, and

project materials were published online for public comments; and

WHEREAS, a public and private stakeholder workshop was held in person on

February 7, 2025; and

WHEREAS, due to the complicated physical site conditions and the extensive

permitting process, an additional service fee of $98,650 is required.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of

Commissioners hereby authorizes a contract amendment to increase the

contract with HKGi by $98,650 to a total $272,595, subject to approval by the

County Attorney’s Office as to form.

This item was approved and recommended for action by the Board of

Commissioners on 5/20/2025.

Ayes: 7

Regular Agenda

Presentation Of Dakota County Soil And Water Conservation District Annual

5.1

Report

Dakota County Soil & Water District Manager Ashley Gallagher provided an

overview highlighting the crucial role of the Soil and Water Conservation District

(SWCD) in managing natural resources and maintaining high water quality

standards.

The commissioners commended the Soil and Water Conservation District

(SWCD) for providing cost-efficient services amid urbanization challenges. They

stressed the importance of diverse representation in decision-making, supported

by a five-member board.

Concerns were raised about the green scum in local ponds, which harms

ecosystems and aesthetics. In response, SWCD staff highlighted their

“Landscaping for Clean Water” program, which aims to educate residents on

improving water quality and reducing runoff.

The SWCD is committed to community engagement and sustainable practices

to protect Dakota County’s natural resources for future generations.

Information only; no action requested.

Update On County State Aid Highway 54 Expansion In Ravenna Township,

County Project 54-011

5.2

John Sass, Transportation Project Manager, and John Mertens, Principal

Planner, presented this item and responded to questions.

Commissioners discussed the importance of acquiring right-of-way for future

projects to avoid additional costs later, despite varying levels of community

support. They also examined alternative alignments and discussed possible

future funding through active transportation dollars.

Staff were directed to pursue right of way acquisition to include the trail option

and to provide detailed information on the costs and feasibility of the various

design options for future County Board consideration. They were also directed to

seek funding sources to enhance active transportation infrastructure for the trail

component.

Additionally, the alignment options in the Prairie Island area should be

reassessed to address community concerns.

Finally, a thorough investigation of road shoulders and bike infrastructure in

Goodhue County is needed to identify necessary safety and accessibility

improvements.

Information only; no action requested.

Information And Direction On Existing Acquisition Option On Vance B. Grannis

Jr. Trust Property In Inver Grove Heights

5.3

Eddie Buell, Real Estate Supervisor, introduced a new initiative led by the

Grannis family to preserve land for public enjoyment and conservation. Vaughn

Grannis, the sole trustee for the Vance B. Grannis Jr Trust, discussed the land’s

status, prospects, and the formation of a task force to explore potential uses.

The initiative aims to raise $3.7 million for an endowment to hire an

environmentalist and enhance accessibility to the land.

The County currently has an option to purchase the 124.5-acre easement area

and the 8.71-acre homestead in fee. In order to move forward with this project,

the Trust has requested that the County terminate its’ current options to

purchase the property. In return, the Trust has offered to provide options to

purchase right-of-way from two properties on the adjacent Barnes Avenue for a

future bike trail. The goal is to finalize agreements and begin fundraising by

summer, which showcases the community’s commitment to environmental

stewardship.

Staff were directed to work with the Trust to develop an agreement that would

terminate the current options and secure the right-of-way required for the future

Barnes Avenue bike trail.

Information only; no action requested.

Physical Development Director's Report

Georg Fischer, Physical Development Director, provided the Committee with a written Division

update.

Future Agenda Items

Chair, Commissioner Mary Liz Holberg, asked the Committee if anyone had a topic they

would like to hear more about at an upcoming Physical Development Committee of the

Whole. No Commissioners requested topics for future meetings at this time.

Adjournment

Motion: Mike Slavik

8.1

Second: William Droste

On a motion by Commissioner Mike Slavik, seconded by Commissioner William

Droste, the meeting was adjourned at 10:51 a.m.

Ayes: 7

Respectfully submitted,

Liz Hansen

Administrative Coordinator