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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING <br />Monday, May 2, 2016 <br />6:30 o'clock p.m. <br />Brenda Johnson commented a trail to Lurton Park would appear to be a good idea or else a pedestrian <br />crossing of some type over the highway. <br />Gaffron stated as you go west along Wayzata Boulevard, there are wetlands on both sides of the road, <br />which would make it difficult to construct a trail in that area. Gaffron noted the City Council did require <br />a 10 -foot easement along the Orono Preserve property for a possible trail at some point in the future. <br />Hennepin County and the Public Works staff are opposed to a trail in this area and would prefer the <br />internal sidewalk system. Gaffron stated it would not cost the City anything to obtain an easement. <br />Bryce Johnson noted the Park Commission did not feel an easement was necessary on the Orono Orchard <br />property given the difficulty in constructing a trail. <br />Brenda Johnson stated wherever possible the City should obtain an easement as long as it does not <br />preclude the developer from completing the development. Johnson stated in the future there might be a <br />possibility for a trail of some type and that preserving that option would be a good idea. <br />Pesek noted the apple orchard property will someday be developed. Pesek asked how far off the road the <br />trail could be constructed. <br />Gaffron indicated Hennepin County has a 100 -foot right-of-way and that they would prefer any trail to be <br />located on private property, which would place the trail 20 to 30 feet from the roadway. <br />Meyers noted the developer would maintain the easement and that the City would incur no costs for the <br />easement until such time as the trail is constructed. <br />Bryce Johnson stated if the Council felt that an easement was desirable on the Orono Preserve property, <br />that the Park Commission should do the same for this property. <br />Sarah Lindahl stated in her view the easement would be fine. <br />Meyers stated the City should always obtain an easement wherever possible since it does not cost them <br />anything and the developer would still pay a park dedication fee. Meyers stated in the future things could <br />change and that a trail might be desirable at some point. Meyers stated since the Council required an <br />easement on the other property, there should be some consistency. <br />Meyers noted the Park Commission also needs to discuss whether they would prefer park land or a park <br />dedication fee. '_Meyers asked if the developer is proposing any specific land. <br />Gaffron stated the developer has asked the City whether they are interested in any land on the landfill site <br />but they have not proposed any specific land donation. The land in that area is fairly open space. <br />Meyers noted the park land dedication would be in lieu of a park dedication fee. Meyers stated the <br />question before the Park Commission is whether they would prefer park land over a park dedication fee. <br />Meyers noted if the area is mitigated, an additional 20 to 30 units could be built and a park dedication fee <br />would be required. <br />Bryce Johnson suggested the Park Commission vote on the trail easement first before discussing the park <br />dedication fee. <br />Page 4 of 10 <br />