Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING <br />Monday, May 2, 2016 <br />6:30 o'clock p.m. <br />Meyers moved, Pesek seconded, to recommend the City obtain a 10 -foot trail easement along <br />Wayzata Boulevard. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. <br />Brenda Johnson stated it is hard to say that the City has an interest in park space on this site since there is <br />already a pool and a play area located across the street. Johnson stated in her view there are other areas of <br />the City that would be more ideal for park space, and if other property in this area is developed, there <br />would be an opportunity to obtain park land at that time. <br />Meyers noted the land the developer is suggesting is located over the landfill. <br />Lindahl stated she is not sure she can vote on the park land since she is not completely knowledgeable <br />about all the issues and the pros and cons of park land in this area. <br />Pesek commented he is not sure additional park land is needed in this area since there are a number of <br />recreational activities available at the school. <br />Gaffron noted the roads within the development are proposed to be private and that the Planning <br />Commission recommended the western portion of the road be public. If the road is public, it would need <br />to be 32 feet wide versus 28 feet. Gaffron stated there are a variety of issues with the road becoming <br />public, which would also impact the layout of the homes. Staff does not believe that park land is <br />necessary in this situation. <br />Bryce Johnson stated he agrees with Commissioner Lindahl's comment that it is difficult to make a <br />decision at this time. Johnson stated the Park Commission does not have a list of what the needs of <br />Orono are for additional park space and that he is not clear whether Orono has other recreational needs <br />that have not been considered. Johnson stated he cannot come up with an immediate answer and that <br />perhaps the Park Commission should take a closer look at whether there is any use for park land in this <br />area rather than just say a park dedication fee should be paid. <br />Johnson asked when this will be before the City Council. <br />Gaffron indicated it likely will be before the City Council on Monday for a first review but that it is <br />dependent on whether Hennepin County will allow the second access. I.f the second access is not <br />allowed, the plans would need to be dramatically changed. <br />Bryce Johnson stated with that piece of information, it would seem to be premature for the Park <br />Commission to take the park dedication fee before considering if there are any unmet recreational needs <br />in the City. <br />Lindahl asked why Staff is not interested in park land in this area. <br />Gaffron indicated it is not included in the City's Comprehensive Plan or Park Plan at this time. Gaffron <br />stated the City will be doing a review of the Comprehensive Plan and Park Plan in the near future and that <br />if the Park Commission feels there are specific areas the City should focus in, they can make <br />recommendations to that effect. Gaffron stated at this point it probably is not necessary to require a park <br />land dedication. <br />Page 5 of 10 <br />