HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/23/81 Agenda & Packet c o.¢chts
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CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
4111 Thursday , April 23, 1981
6 : 30 p .m.
Mounds View City Hall Council Chambers
2401 Highway 10
Mounds View, Minnesota 55112
AGENDA
1 . Call to Order
2 . Chairman' s Report
3 . Councilmember' s Report
4. Approve the March 30 , 1981 Park Commission Minutes
5 . Visitor Presentation
6 . Silver View park Master Plan Review*
7 . Lakeside Park Coumiission Update
8 . City Code Review - Chapter 24 - Recreation Activity Fund*
9 . Summer program update
10 . Memorial - Jack Shields , City Forester*
11 . Bond Issue Task Force*
12 . Staff Report
13 . Adjournment
1111)
*Denotes items that need official Couuuission action
K
S" ' CthCif of V0dV 'e
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA
GATEWAY TO THE NORTH 2401 HIGHWAY 10
MOUNDS VIEW, MINN. 55112
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, 784-3055
RECREATION AND FORESTRY
April 21, 1981
Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners :
Enclosed is your packet of information for the April 23, 1981 Park Commission
meeting. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. with the major dis-
cussion centering around Silver View Park and Silver Lake Woods preliminary
plat.
• Shouldou have any y questions regarding the enclosed agenda or staff reports,
feel free to give me a call at 784-3055, extension #41.
Sincerely,
CZ:i .-e- t'e`e
Bruce K. Anderson, Director
Parks , Recre.tion d Forestry
BKA/sw
Enclosure
MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
•
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
COUNTY OF RAMSEY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
March 30 , 1981
Mounds View City Hall
Council Chambers
6 : 00 p .m.
CALL TO ORDER The Mounds View Parks and Recreation Commission
was called to order at 6 : 05 p .m. by Chairman
Wayne Burmeister .
ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Chairperson Burmeister,
Donna Bowman, Gordon Fedor, Jerry Linke , Lloyd Scott
•
Marilynne Dennehy and Ed Letendre .
Commissioners Absent: Frank Silvis and Wayne Wefler
Councilmembers Present: Mayor Duane McCarty,
Bill Doty , Charlotte Forslund, Phyllis Blanchard,
and Don Hodges .
Staff Present: Director Anderson, Program Super-
visor Saarion and Clerk-Administrator Pauley .
Visitors Present: Gary Tushie , Landscape Architect,
Neal Loeding, Sharon McCarthy, Planning Commission,
Bob Glazer, Planning Commission, and Jean Miller,
Planning Commission .
• APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion to approve the February 26 , 1981 minutes
as submitted was made by Commissioner Donna Bowman
and seconded by Commissioner Jerry Linke . The
motion passed unanimously .
7 ayes
0 nayes
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
March 30 , 1981 Page 2 ' �-
REVIEW INITIAL CONCEPT Mr. Gary Tushie , representing Saunders/Thalden, Inc .
PLAN FOR SILVER VIEW PARK reviewed the initial concept plan or blob study for
Silver View Park .
After a great deal of general discussion, Commision-
er Lloyd Scott made a motion to provide a pedestriar
cross-walk and sidewalk on the east side of Silver
Lake Road as a public pedestrian access near
Bronson Avenue .
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Jerry Linke .
The motion passed unanimously .
7 ayes
0 nayes
Commissioner Jerry Linke also made a mo
tion to
approve the concept plan of Silver View Park wi411
the understanding that changes may be made at the
public hearing.
Commissioner Donna Bowman seconded the motion .
The motion passed unanimously .
7 ayes
0 nayes
A motion was made by Commissioner Jerry Linke to
hold a public meeting to review the Silver View
Park concept plan Saturday, April 11 at City Hall
at 10 : 00 a .m.
Commissioner Lloyd Scott seconded the motion .
Motion passed unanimously .
7 ayes
0 nayes 411
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
March 30 , 1981 Page 3
REVIEW (continued) Commissioner Donna Bowman and Commissioner
Lloyd Scott expressed the idea to develop an
earth building storage garage into the sliding
hill proposed at Silver View Park . Commissioner
Scott directed staff to research some preliminary
data regarding the feasibility of constructing
an earth sheltered storage facility , compared to
a wooden or block building.
LAKESIDE PARK COMMISSION Director Anderson reviewed the status of the
Lakeside Park Joint Powers Agreement, stating that
it is currently in the hands of the attorneys for
review. Director Anderson told of his concern
that the Council and Commission Members understand
the role changes of the agreement, especially
concerning the administration of the beach program.
Lakeside Park Commission is an advisory board which
provides staff direction in establishing policy .
The City Parks and Recreation staff is responsible
for implementing the policys that are approved
by the Lakeside Park Commission. Director Anderson
further stated that the individual City Councils
would be ultimately responsible for any legal
decisions regarding Lakeside Park .
FUTURE PARK REFERENDUM Chairman Burmeister opened up the discussion re-
garding the possibility of a Park Referendum in the
Spring of 1981 . Chairman Burmeister felt we should
definitely have another referendum only we should
scale the dollar amount down below the 1 . 6 million.
• Commissioner Scott and Linke both stated that they
felt we should stay with the 1 . 6 million dollar
amount .
Park and Recreation Commission
March 30 , 1981 Page, 4
FUTURE PARK REFERENDUM There was a general discussion that followed as
(continued) to why the referendum may have failed, a synopsis
of the explanations that were offered are as
follows :
1 . General Election
2 . School referendum
3 . Misunderstanding of some issues
4. Too much publicity
5 . Poor timing
6 . Too much money and too costly
7 . Concern for park maintenance
Following the lengthy discussion , the Mayor
spoke on behalf of the Council directing staff
to establish a task force of residents to determine
the following:
1 . Why the referendum failed? •
2 . Should we proceed with another referendum?
3. Assuming the response to number 2 is positive ,
What should the referendum include?
a . Specific development
b . Amount of money
c . Timing-day, etc .
4 . Should a maintenance referendum be included?
5 . Establishment of a citizens task force .
Staff accepted the challenge and hopes to report
to the Council at the April 27 Council meeting .
CITY WIDE PARK SYSTEM Commissioner Lloyd Scott made a motion to accept
MASTER PLAN
the language of the letter dated March 18 , 1981
to the Planning Couunission and deletion of page 71
from the City Wide Park System Master Plan.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Jerry
Linke . The motion passed unanimously .
7 ayes •
0 nayes
Park and Recreation Commission Minutes
March 30 , 1981 Page 5
411
CITY WIDE (cont . ) After further discussion Commissioner Jerry Linke
made a motion to rescind the previous motion .
Marilynne Dennehy seconded the motion. Motion
passed unanimously.
7 ayes
0 nayes
Commissioner Lloyd Scott made a motion to approve
the following language for the City Park Plan;
"With this amount in mind, the Mounds View City
Council and Park and Recreation Commission
propose to implement this program with funds from
State and Federal grants , City Park and Playground
Fund and revenues from a park referendum if
approved by the voters of Mounds View. The
development of Silver View Park will be primarily
through State and Federal funds . "
We also agree to delete page #71 from the City
Wide Park System Master Plan .
The motion was seconded by COmmlissiOner Jerry Linke .
The motion passed unanimously .
7 ayes
0 nayes
ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Gordon Fedor made a motion to adjourn
the meeting, seconded by Commissioner Jerry Linke .
The motion passed unanimously .
5 ayes
0 nayes
The meeting was adjourned at 8: 30 p .m.
•espectfull.'y Submitted,
:,
Bruce K. Anderson '''
Underground Space. Voi.4,No. 3, pp. 143-152
I, Pergamon Press Ltd. 1979. Printed in Great Britain.
• An Essay - Frequently asked Questions on
Earth-Sheltered Housing
CHARLES A. LANE
The Underground Space Center,
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
The costs of heating and cooling a home today continue to climb at an
ever-faster pace. Utility costs, once relatively cheap, in some cases now
exceed the cost of mortgage payments. In response to homeowners'
concerns, people involved in all areas of the housing industry are exploring
innovative energy-conserving techniques. Over the past several years,
interest in the energy-saving concept of earth-sheltered housing has grown
rapidly.
This essay briefly answers some of the most frequently asked questions
regarding earth-sheltered housing design. It deals with topics such as: site
selection; structural systems; energy-use criteria; heating, ventilation, and
air-conditioning (HVAC); waterproofing; insulation; and factors affecting
constructing costs.
• How many earth-sheltered houses have been built located at the University of Texas at Arlington;Texas
(or are currently under construction) in the United Tech University; University of Missouri; and
States? Oklahoma State University.
In early March 1978, the University of Minnesota's The idea of using the earth for shelter from the
Underground Space Center published a book entitled elements is not new,of course. One can discover from
Earth Sheltered Housing Design. At that time, only reading a good history book that the use of
an estimated 30 to 40 earth-sheltered homes had been earth-sheltering for human habitation has ancient
built in the U.S. Although it is difficult to determine beginnings. The popularity of the concept today can
how many of these homes are being built at present, I be described accurately as the rebirth of an old idea.
would estimate that 2000-3000 earth-sheltered However, the timing of the attention now focused on
homes are now either completed or in some phase of earth-sheltering is closely linked with the expected
planning, design, or construction. This number is decrease in the availability of cheap energy sources.
increasing at a rapid rate.
It is interesting to note that the areas where the What things should be considered in selecting a site
greatest interest in earth-sheltered housing has been for an earth-sheltered home?
demonstrated have been located near a center or To date, most earth-sheltered homes have been
organization involved in the research and develop- built in rural or semi-rural areas on larger, open sites.
ment of underground space. The University of The prevailing attitude is that a buildable site should
Minnesota's Underground Space Center is one of the be a large, 5-acre plot on a south-sloping hill facing a
principal research and information centers in the beautiful view protected by a forest of pine trees to
nation. Also headquartered at the University of the north. Although ideal, such a site is far from
Minnesota is the American Underground-Space essential.
Association (AUA). AUA members are professionals A good exposure to the south, however, is
and interested members of the public concerned with necessary to obtain maximum solar heating and
• the wise development of underground space. Other natural light. North exposure should be kept to a
national research centers that have served as catalysts minimum. No direct solar heat gain, only diffuse
for growth in the earth-sheltered housing industry natural light, is available from the north.
The Clearing House for Earth Covered Buildings, As with any conventional above-grade home,
143
144 Charles A. Lane
. .,..-
landscaping and plantings can be designed to What structural systems and materials should be
maximize privacy and wind/sun protection. Other site considered in planning an earth-sheltered home?
considerations such as vehicle and pedestrian access, The structural parameters of an earth-sheltered
utility hookups, easements, wells and septic systems home are probably among of its least understood •
usually pose no special problems for the earth- aspects, especially for the nonprofessional, individual
sheltered home builder. home builder. Yet,surprisingly, it is the area in which
A good knowledge of soil and groundwater many novice builders seem least willing to seek
conditions is very important in planning an professional help.
earth-sheltered house, but often prospective builders The stresses produced on an earth-sheltered house
will choose a site without any knowledge of where are far greater than those on a conventional
the groundwater table is located, how the soil above-grade, platform-framed house, and are far
transfers moisture (the percolation rate), the soil greater than a novice builder may suspect. The
composition (sands, gravels, clays, peat, fill,etc.),and structural design of a conventional home allows more
the chemical characteristics of the soil. Sometimes flexibility in precision and in the use of materials.
sod conditions can be approximated by contacting Thus, detailed structural engineering is usually
neighbors on adjacent lots, or by obtaining soil required in designing an earth-sheltered house.
surveys for the immediate area. If these methods do Structural systems and materials vary widely, and
not yield sufficient information, it is advisable to have included: cast-in-place reinforced concrete,
invest in a thorough soils test from a reputable soil reinforced mason •
testing firm. ry, precast concrete, post-tensioned
concrete, treated wood foundations, wood beam
In earth-sheltered housing, the surrounding soil is a roofs, fiberglass reinforced masonry, fiberglass,
functional part of the house, and not merely a design reinforced wood panels, concrete silo block, and steel
afterthought. A builder should be familiar with the and concrete drainage units. Little standardization in
properties of the soil, just as he would be familiar construction of earth-sheltered housing has yet been
with the properties of the other construction developed, and as a result, builders are faced with the
materials.
uncertainty that accompanies any prototype design.
Under optimum conditions, the soil should This lack of standardized construction techniques
provide good load-bearing strengths, good drainage makes builders reluctant to invest their efforts in
characteristics, and a sufficient distance between the earth-sheltered house construction, and can add to
house structure and the highest point of any construction costs once the decision to build is made. •
groundwater table. A wise builder should probably
avoid building in a flood plain area, in humic soils, or Care must be exercised to use the materials
in extremely expansive clays. properly. In flat roof structural systems, roof
clearance spans will vary with the type of material
Earth-sheltered homes are proving highly adaptable
used. Wood beam roofs obviously will require limited
to the urban setting as well as the rural setting.
Conditions of adjacent sites and structures are shorter spans than will a concrete material roof. To
more important in urban than rural sites: care must resist stresses developed by earth-bermed walls,shear
be taken that adjacent structures do not shade the walls should be designed and integrated into the
house plans. In two-story earth-sheltered homes, the
site. In some earth sheltered house designs, the
greatest stresses developed by earth-bermed walls,are
soil-berming may require a fairly large lot, thereby
making some smaller urban lots unacceptable. located at the intermediate floor. Too often. novice
On the other hand, urban sites considered builders overlook this fact and plan for a wood joist
undesirable for conventional homes may be ideal for intermediate floor system;in some cases,a wood joist
earth-sheltered construction, as soil-berming can be floor system is inadequate to safely transfer these
used effectively to block out unwanted views and lateral wall stresses.
noises. An excellent example of such use of an urban Another major class of structural systems, arches
site is the Seward West Redesign earth-sheltered and shell shapes, can transfer heavy loads very
townhouses in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Scheduled for efficiently. It is important, however, not to seriously
completion in late 1979, the 12 units are bermed to alter these simple shapes in a house design:therefore
the north side, which is adjacent to a noisy freeway; the placement of openings such as doors, windows
and the south exposure is open. A potentially and atriums in arches and shells should be done by a
objectionable housing site thus has been made useful competent architect and engineer.
through good earth-sheltered design [1 j . At present, professional builders need to develop a
Urban sites may also become more popular as better knowledge of loads and stresses caused by
automobile transportation costs continue to rise. earth-berming. As builders develop'more confidence •
With reductions in the costs of both transportation and variety in their products, the number of
and home energy use, earth-sheltered home owners cost-competitive designs available to the consumer
can significantly lower their energy expenses. should increase.
An Essay — Frequently asked Questions on Earth-sheltered Housing 145
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FIG. 1. A one-story, penetrational plan earth-sheltered house in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Walls are 12-in. block
• reinforced with a fiberglass-reinforced mastic cement (Surewall); the roof is precast concrete planks. Bithuthene
waterproofing is being applied on the roof and walls.
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• FIG. 2. This house, located in Camden State Park, Minnesota, is one of the Underground Space Center/11HF.4
demonstration homes. Precast concrete drain pipes are stacked vertically to form the side retaining walls. The
pipes are stabilised by attaching a steel cable to the top of the pipe wall and at an angle to the footing. This angle
allows the tipping forces on the pipe wall to be resisted by cable tension. The pipe wall then is filled with earth
for additional weight and stability.
146
Charles A. Lane
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sound, low-cost ancestructural system for �l~y
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FIG. 4. Precast wall and 12 in. roof panels form the structural system for this two-story home near St. Paul
Minnesota. In this structural system, the intermediate
earth loads. .411 lateral loads are transferred by the floor slab andr is roof designed planks. Becausetheintermediate floor is •
free of large structural obligations, it is constructed with conventional wood Distframing.ppfor the wall lateral
poured concrete side retaining walls increases structural efficiency while minimizing use and cost of the material.
The bend in the
•
An Essay — Frequently asked Questions on Earth-sheltered Housing 147
What information is available on energy savings First, insulation should be used on the roof to retard
afforded by earth-sheltered homes? steady-state heat transfer. Contrary to common
Most earth-sheltered building enthusiasts are belief, the earth is a very poor insulator. Soil is not
convinced that by berming portions of the structure placed on the roof to insulate; one would need many
• and by maximizing south orientation with properly feet of earth to equal the insulating properties of just
shaded and insulated glazing they can conserve a few inches of rigid insulation, and such earth
energy. Proper insulation will reduce the steady-state loading would impose impractical demands on the
conductive heat transfer, and soil berming will structural system.
effectively moderate the skin temperatures of the Second, soil is used on the roof as a temperature
structure,, resulting in a much narrower range of moderator. Because of its density and specific heat
temperature extremes in the soil berm in comparison properties, earth has a fairly good heat capacity, or
to the ambient air temperatures. thermal mass. This thermal mass allows the soil on
The total energy consumption of a house should the roof to retain and dissipate large amounts of
be budgeted to the different use components, excess heat energy, resulting in reduced temperature
including the energy requirements of heating;cooling; fluctuations of the soil adjacent to the roof structure.
interior lighting; exterior lighting; household Rapid temperature changes in the outside air are not
appliances: hot water heating; and treating make-up "felt" as quickly by the soil on the roof. In fact, the
air ventilation. roof soil shelters the house from a harsh climate (very
Extensive research is needed to determine how the cold and/or very hot) and places it in a much more
various components of an earth-sheltered house moderate climate. The earth cover on the roof
contribute to overall energy losses. For example, the combines with good insulation to comprise the total
effects of opening doors and windows or not roof system.
insulating glazing need to be quantified: and the Earth-sheltered home builders also must determine
thermal behavior of soil on walls, roofs, and under how much earth should be placed on the roof. Here, a
floors should be examined. compromise between a large thermal mass and
Most reports of the energy-saving properties of structural considerations must be made,generally for
existing earth-sheltered homes have been non- flat roof systems 1.5 to 2 ft of soil seems optimum.
scientific surveys by the homeowner. No quantitative In cold climates, it is not necessary to try to berm to
data-gathering studies have been completed. The below the frost line (in northern portions of the
• University of Minnesota's Underground Space Center, country, a depth approaching 4 ft). The exact
in conjunction with the Minnesota Housing Finance temperatures and thermal characteristics of roof soils
Agency, is currently working on such a study. Seven are not yet understood, but it is unlikely that the
earth-sheltered homes now being constructed in bottom soil layers will freeze, since heat transfered
Minnesota are being heavily instrumented to provide through the roof continues to warm the soil.
the needed performance data. The homes should be If a builder still chooses to use more roof soil,arch
completed by Iate 1979. They will be monitored for and shell structures can be used. These shapes are
several years and the data compiled will be analyzed, better suited to transfer the stresses produced by high
providing much-needed insights into the detailed soil loading.
energy behavior of an earth-sheltered house. All the
demonstration homes will be open to the public for a What are the best methods of meeting Heating,
period after completion [2] . Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) require-
ments in earth-sheltered houses?
Why must the roof of an earth-sheltered house Closely allied with the energy behavior of an
have an earth cover? Can't a well-insulated conven- earth-sheltered house are the Heating, Ventilation and
tional type of roof be used instead? Air Conditioning (HVAC) requirements. Since
Many prospective earth-sheltered home builders thermal loads are less than those for a conventional
have considered the option of using a conventional home, smaller HVAC units can be used. Data
roof. It does seem that many design headaches could compiled from earth-sheltered demonstration homes
be avoided by not placing earth on the roof. For will enable HVAC engineers to properly size and
example, structural loads on the walls could be design the mechanical systems: extensive research and
reduced, and roof drainage, waterproofing, and design work by mechanical engineers is necessary, as
landscape uncertainties would diminish. With the most existing earth-sheltered homes have incor-
possible cost-savings from conventional construction, porated standard HVAC designs.
one could afford to insulate heavily (to a minimum Research into the integration of other backup
• R-value of 50 or 60). energy systems with earth-sheltered housing also is in
However, by not earth-berming the roof, the demand. Because heating/cooling loads are small,
upaying
builder is another kind of price. Reducing heat systems such as active solar can be cost-effective as
transfer through the roof is a two-pronged attack. backup. Other systems: include passive designs such
148 Charles A. Lane —
as: "earth pipes." trombe walls, heat storage, natural can prove to be the most demanding. Products will
ventilation, solar gain systems, wind, and the use of range from good resealing properties to none at all.
renewable resources such as wood burning and Be sure to consult the manufacturers' test data on
alcohol fuels. Properly designed earth-sheltered this. Performance test results of a product should be
homes should have heating loads well within the available from the product manufacturer or from •
capabilities of an efficient wood stove even in very independent testing sources;any product that appears
cold climates with an excess of 8000 degree days per weak in one or more of the abovementioned areas
year. should be eliminated. No matter what type of
Generally, mechanical air-cooling systems have not structural material is used, there will always be some
been necessary in properly designed earth-sheltered settling and possible structural cracks, so the
houses. Because the temperature of the surrounding waterproofing must have the ability to bridge the
earth is almost always cooler than the inside of the cracks and protect the house from unwanted
house, excess specific heat will Clow from the house moisture. During construction. it is easy to scrape off,
into the soil. Initial fears regarding condensation and tear or rip the waterproofing product once applied.
high indoor relative humidities have not materialized. Nails, sharp rocks, work boats and careless backfilling
Good air circulation usually will control most can take their toll.
high-humidity situations, and in extreme cases a small When used in conventional above-grade structures,
portable dehumidifier should suffice to control some waterproofing products will reseal quite well.
humidity. This is primarily due to the warm extremes in air
As knowledge of the energy performance becomes temperature: heat will cause the material to soften
accessible, mechanical engineers should be able to and then allow it to reseal. Asphalt products are
effectively standardize and size systems to perform especially adaptable in this way.
the necessary HVAC functions for an earth-sheltered Below grade, however, temperatures are lower,
house. Ideally, the systems will incorporate the good ranging from 35 to 70°F, far below the high
design of current HVAC systems and the best of new, temperatures of 150-180°F that can be reached on
energy-efficient solar energy and passive-energy tech- an above-grade, built-up roof system. Most products
niques. Such a system would be a great boon to the specify that during application air temperatures be
earth-sheltered housing industry. above 40°F; otherwise the bonding or curing
processes will be retarded. -
What waterproofing systems are most appropriate
for earth sheltered homes? On the other hand, repeated thermal expansion of
The most frequently asked questions about a material is one of the greatest forces leading to
earth-sheltered housing concern waterproofing. The wear. It may be argued that the narrow thermal
spectrum of underground temperatures will aid in the
possibilities of leaks in an earth sheltered house
inspire fear in the minds of professionals and lay durability of product material, yet to answer this
people alike. quantitatively, much research on underground water-
Unfortunately, sound knowledge and experience proofing systems is needed.
in applying waterproofing systems to earth-sheltered Finally, whichever waterproofing system the
homes are scarce. Experts offer ample opinions but builder chooses, quality control is essential. Even the
very few facts. Extensive, independent testing of best material can prove a disaster if improperly
current waterproofing systems and the development installed. It is questionable whether the novice,
of new products is imperative. do-it-yourself, earth-sheltered home builder should
At present, five major products are being used for attempt to install waterproofing himself or herself.
waterproofing earth-sheltered homes: asphalt and The job is better left to a waterproofing contractor
pitch products;bituthene;liquid polyurethanes;butyl who knows the product. Only with repeated
and EPDM (Ethylene Prophylene Diene Monomer) application experience can one know how to cope
membranes; and bentonite products. Each product best with unexpected problems and their conse-
has advantages and disadvantages; none can be quences. It is best not to make your house your
described as universally "the best." These products guinea pig.
should be distinguished from dampproofing products, In waterproofing, extra care must be taken at the
which only restrict vapor transmission. In addition, seams (if any) and points where the flashing projects
good surface drainage practices and proper backfill from the building. Water has a way of finding the
are essential for an adequate waterproofing system. weak link in a waterproofing system. Skylights can
Regardless of which waterproofing system is used, cause problems if the mechanical details are not well
the product should: (1) have a long service life designed, though some apparent leakage attributed to -
underground; (2) have good crack-bridging capa- skylights has actually been due to interior condensa-
bilities; and (3), ideally be able to reseal itself at tion problems rather than to a failure in the exterior
underground temperatures. The third requirement waterproofing system.
150
. Charles A. Lane
•
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FIG. 7. Bentonite panels will provide waterproofing for the roof and walls of this house. The wall panels will be
applied at the base of the side walls up to approximately 8 feet. After backfilling the lower 8 feet, the second
level of panels will be applied and side backfilling completed. On the roof, 6 in. of styrofoam are placed directly
above the bentonite, and a 4 mil polyethylene sheet completes the waterproofing system. The plastic sheet keeps
• the styrofoam clean of fine dirt and sand and provides some protection during roof backfilling.
What properties should be considered in choosing
This is an important requirement since water-
insulating materials for earth-sheltered homes? absorbing insulations rapidly lost their R-value (the
The other product (i.e., besides waterproofing) ability of a material to resist heat flow). The most
usually applied to the exterior of the structure is commonly used insulating product that fulfills the
insulation. This is necessary when the structural above criteria is extruded polystyrene. It is a closed
system is that of high thermal mass such as concrete. cell, rigid board insulation with good long-term
A large amount of concrete used in the structure thermal performance. It should also be distinguished
represents a potentially large thermal storage mass, from expanded polystyrene, which is basically an
which must be insulated to work effectively. open cell product. Open cell insulation will absorb
Placing insulation on the outside exposes it to moisture from the ground over an extended period of
moisture and soil conditions. Usually the insulation is time. Two different production processes are used in
producing extruded and expanded polystyrene.
placed outside of the waterproofing system because Another concern regarding insulation placed on
most waterproofing systems need a smooth, dry,
stable base, such as the concrete structure for the exterior is the possibility of rodent and insect
application. Except for butyl sheets, waterproofing damage;both time and possible research into this area
products should not be applied over the insulation. should reveal whether or not this concern is
There is too much potential movement of insulation, warranted.
whether it be rigid board or poiyurethane liquids, to Insulation placement should be maximized under
form a stable base for the waterproofing. Placing the root soil and upper portions of the walls. These areas
insulation over the waterproofing also will protect the are most susceptible to temperature fluctuations of
waterproofing during backfilling. the outside air. Nonbermed house portions,such as a
south wall, should be conventionally framed and
insulated.
How do the construction costs of an earth
sheltered home compare with costs for a comparable
conventional house?
What are the necessary properties for exterior
• applied insulation?
First, they must have good compressive strength to
resist earth pressures. Second, they should be a closed
cell product that will not absorb excessive moisture. Regardless of promises of energy savings and
An LssaV - Frequently asked Questions on Earth-sheltered Housing 149
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FIG. .5. .4 metal air supply trunk duct feeds air to selected cores of the precast concrete floor planks. The cores in
the plank then feed floor grills in individual rooms. This design is an effective integration of the structural and
HVAC systems. Water pipes, conduits, and other mechanical systems pose no problems with a concrete structure.
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FIG. 6. Another method of handling roof projections. Each pipe and mechanical service has a separate hole cut
through the precast roof panels. Extreme care must be taken to waterproof each projection thoroughly- Aesthetic
qualities should also be considered when using this approach.
.in L say — f requenriy asked Questions on earth-sheltered Housing 1 !
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FIG. 8. This one-story house is totally structured with precast concrete walls and roof panels. Polyurethane
insulation is sprayed on the roof(6 in.) and walls(4 in.). Liquid polyurethane waterproofing is then sprayed over
the insulation. Extreme care during backfilling is necessary since the delicate waterproofing has no protection. If
sprayed insulation is not smooth and level on the roof, ponding often occurs in spots, thereby subjecting the
•
waterproofing to a continuously wet condition. A single precast panel serves as the side retaining wall. Support
• for the wall is provided by a keyed footing and the edge of the patio slab.
energy-independence, the bottom line is cost. Few framing has had many years to develop cost-effective
people can afford the luxury of designing an
energy-independent, earth-sheltered home free from
consideration of construction costs.
Real estate and construction costs continue to rise
rapidly. Conventional mortgage money is becoming
tighter, and interest rates continue to climb. Despite
these trends, many nonprofessional builders believe
that they can build their energy-free home cheaply.
This has usually not been the case.
practices. Low-cost track and pre-fab homes were not
developed overnight.
In fact, it is surprising that the comparative costs
of an earth sheltered house and an above-grade house
are as close as they are. Many of the earth sheltered
houses built today are uniquely designed custom
homes. These types of homes are generally more
expensive than those built from a standard working
design.
In conventional, above-grade homes. the idea of It is difficult to make a blanket statement about
the owner-furnished home is popular. Contractors or comparative costs of above and below-grade homes.
developers put up the shells and the roughing and the Some earth sheltered homes have cost less,some have
new homeowner can do the rest, at a lower cost.
This concept has carried over to the earth-
cost more. Factors that affect the costs of both
include: any materials shortages (real or contrived);
sheltered home enthusiast as well, which is fine if the
homeowner limits him or herself to work with which
the number and magnitude of other local job bids
available to contractors; local labor conditions in the
he/she is familiar, such as exterior finishing or trim.
Structural design and waterproofing application
should be left to those who understand them best.
These areas are certainly not open to cost-reducing
shortcuts at the expense of their performance
integrity.
The relative cost of earth-sheltered homes will
building trades (union, nonunion, strikes, delays,
etc.): legal and/or zoning difficulties: complexity of
house desist: and cost overruns as a result of
unforeseen problems (sometimes prevalent in earth-
sheltered homes). As many of these factors depend
on local conditions, comparing square footage costs
between different parts of the country is impossible.
decrease as the construction industry develops Most importantly, owners/builders can have great
standard building systems. Conventional, platform influence in controlling cost by•developing a good
152 Charles A. Lane
earth-sheltered house design. They should invest in the home. For now and in the future, investing in a
professional help in their designs. Cutting cost corners properly designed earth-sheltered house is money well
at key areas can seriously compromise the integrity of spent.
REFERENCE •
•
1. For more information the Seward West Redesign townhouse, see The earth-sheltered
housing demonstration project;Minnesota housing finance agency, Underground Space,
3, 259-268(1979).
2. Ibid.
•
•
III
MEMO TO: Mounds Viewilloarks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Staff /
DATE: April 21, 1981
SUBJECT: Silver View Park Master Plai Review
Mr. Gary Tushie, Saunders-Thalden and Associates, will be pre-
senting the final Park Master Plan for Silver View park at
Thursday' s meeting. This final plap -will reflect the recom-
mended changes the Commission made at the March 30, 1981 meet-
ing as well as suggestions from the April 11, 1981 meeting.
Assuming that the Parks Commission approves the Me ter Plan on
Thursday staff would recommend. that the Commission recommend
that the Council approve the plan at their April 27, 1981
meeting.
Our next phase is for the Commission to recommend to the City
Council that staff be directed to commence preparing the bid
specifications for Phase One development.
If the Council agrees to the schedule we would be bringing the
bid specifications back to the Commission for their review
at a special Commission meeting on May 21, 1981 and hopefully
open bids the middle of June.
Staff will be available to provide additional input on this
issue at Thursday' s meeting.
•
MEMO TO: Movn arks and Recreation Commission
• FROM: Staff-
DATE: April 1, 1981
SUBJECT: Lakeside Park Commission Update
Staff attended a meeting with the City Attorneys from Mounds
View and Spring Lake Park on Wednesday, April 15, tp discuss
the Joint Powers Agreement. ris pail are aware staff drafted
a Joint Powers Agreement which was reviewed before the Perk
Commission in each City. The agreement was then presented
to the Attorneys who were to review the agreement prior to
presentation to the City Cggncil.
The City Attorneys felt that staff .had complicated the issue
more than was necessary and determined that the existing
ordinance (Chapter 50) was adequate and that staff should
then "contract" services through the Lakeside Park Commission.
At the close of the meeting we all agreed to retain Chapter 50
of the City Code with some minor modifications and to develop
a contract agreement with the Commission for the services we
propose to provide.
The difficulty this solution is having is that Spring Lake
• Park is not amenable to providing maintenance services
without receiving pay (based pn $11. 1Q/hour) .
Staff is meeting with the Lakeside Park Comtission on
April 30, 1981 to review this contract once again and •hopefully
the problem will be resolved prior to that meeting.
Commissioner Bowman will be providing more details on the
Lakeside Park Commission status at Thursday' s meeting.
i
S
MEMO TO : Mounds View, Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Staff ;
DATE : April 21,1981
RE : Chapter 24 - Recreation Activity Fund
This issue has been on the past two months Commission agenda
for your review. As you' re aware , the City Council has under-
taken an effort to update and review the entire City Code
during 1981 . As part of that review process , they have directed
staff to review the respective chapters that directly affect the
working of their departments .
Staff forwarded a copy of Chapter 24 with a staff report
recommending changes dated February 25 , 1981 . It was the
intent of the Commission at the February 26 , 1981 meeting
to review the staff reports and make a recommendation to the
Council at the March meeting. Due to the special joint meeting
we were unable to address this subject .
If you have lost your reports , or would like staff to provide
additional information, feel free to give me a call at 784-3055 ,
extension #41.
MEMO TO: . . V. - .:arks and Recreation reation Commission
FROM: Staf Al
DATE: April 2111' ' 81
• SUBJECT: Memorial - Jack Shields
As you are aware our City Forester passed away December 31, 1980,
following a lengthy bout with cancer. Staff had planned to
construct a memorial in Jack's honor at the City garden site
but as can be noted in the attached correspondence Ramsey
County did not feel it would be a good idea 'due to the temporary
nature of the garden.
Staff would like to "brainstorm" with the Commission on other
Memorial possibilities that might be appropriate. Possible
suggestion include:
1. Formal flower planter, rose garden, etc.
2. Benches for tot lot area.
3. Arboretum concept or special tree planting at one
of the local parks.
4. Purchase gardening books that could be donated to
0 the local library.
These are only preliminary ideas and staff is receptive to
other ideas or thoughts you might have.
Attachment
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1
RAMSEY COUNTY,MINNESOTA
2401 HIGHWAY 10
MOUNDS VIEW MINN 55112
)84-3055
GATEWAY TO THE NORTH .
UE{PAH A MINT 01' I'AHKS,
111 CHC AI'ION AND I=011E:SI HHY
April 14, 1981
Mr. Tony Crea, Director
Ramsey County Parks and Recreation
2010 White Bear Avenue
St. Paul , Minnesota 55109
Dear Mr. Crea:
• During the past two months I have had a number of conversations with
Mr. Joe Peterson, Ramsey County Extension agent, regarding a memorial
Cif- Of VOUI601 Vi0/17
for Mr. Jack Shields, Mounds View City Forester. Mr. Shields served as
the City Forester for seven years in Mounds View until his death in late
December.
During his tenure with the City, Jack initiated the community gardening
program in conjunction with Joe Peterson at the Moga farm property and con-
tinued to be actively involved in seeing that project through for about four
years .
In honor of his love for the outdoors , gardening, and close ties with Ramsey
County, the City would desire to construct an information sign board at the
Moga property garden sites . At this time we don 't have a detailed drawing
of our plans other than a large 4' x 6 ' plexiglass sign board supported by
4" x 4" womanized posts with a small brass plaque .
• The sign would be constructed by a carpenter and I can assure you it will be
a positive and welcome addition to the garden site. As we would like to commence
Mr. Tony Crea Page 2
• this project in the near future, please let me know what, if any, formal
approvals are necessary from here.
I would be happy to meet with you at your convenience should additional
information or background be required.
Sincerely,
-
Mr. Bruce K. Anderson, Director
Parks, Recreation and Forestry
BKA/sw
cc: Mr. Joe Peterson, Ramsey County Extension Service
•
•
' RAMSEY COUNTY
• 11191‘, PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT
1850 White Bear Avenue Telephone(612)777-1361
Yx�nr St. Paul, Minnesota 55109
Anthony J. Crea, Director
Bernard L. Edmonds, Asst. Director
April 17, 1981
Mr. Bruce K. Anderson
Director
Parks and Recreation
City of Mounds View
2401 Highway 10
Mounds View, Minnesota 55112
Re: Memorial to Jack Shields
Dear Mr. Anderson:
Your letter of April 14th was referred to me for response.
The community gardens at Rice Creek was authorized as an interim
use until the property is developed in accordance with the
110 Master Plan for a regional trail corridor. The garden plots
will undoubtedly be eliminated at that time. ..� .,
I believe that a memorial to Mr. Shields would be more appro-
priate located on Mounds View municipal property where it could
be permanently maintained by his friends and neighbors in the
community.
I am sorry we cannot accommodate you in this matter.
Sincerely,
Bernard L. Edmonds
Assistant Director
BLE:jjh
cc: A. J. Crea
J. Peterson
I
. MEMO TO: Mounds View Parks and Recreation Commissioners
1 2
FROM: Bruce K. Anderson, Director /
Parks , Recreation and Forestry
DATE: April 21, 1981
RE: Park Bond Issue Task Force
As you're aware, the City Council directed staff to establish a Park Bond
Issue Task Force to address the following issues :
1. Why the referendum failed.
2. Should we proceed with another referendum?
3. Assuming the response to number 2 is positive,
what should the referendum include?
till a. Specific development
b. Amount of money
c. Timing - day, etc.
4. Should a maintenance referendum be included?
5. Establishment of a citizens task force.
To this end staff would propose the following residents be considered for the
task force:
Chairperson: David Long
Task Force Members : Lloyd Scott
Sharon McCarthy
Jan Quick
Barb Stone
Ed Letendre
Chris Knutson
Gordy Ziebarth
Staff Representative: Bruce Anderson
Gary Tushie - Saunders/Thalden & Assoc.
Staff has not contacted any of these individuals yet as we wanted to "bounce" these
names off the Park Commission. Should you feel that this would be a good cross section
of the community, staff would contact each of them and have them officially appointed
by the City Council on April 27, 1981.