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. MINIITES OF THS ORONO PARR COMMISSION MEETING HELD JDNE 3, 1991 <br /> DISPOSAL OF CITY PROPERTY CONTINIIED <br /> Johnston stated that with the 5 acre zoning another park is <br /> probably not needed but the parking area should be maintained <br /> either by the DNR or the City. Gerhardson asked if this were not <br /> taken over by the DNR if the City would want this back to <br /> consider as a City parking lot for access to the Luce Line. <br /> Johnston stated that if the DRN took this over and did the <br /> maintenance there would be no reason for the City to be involved. <br /> It needs improvement to be a parking area. <br /> Johnston pointed out that 100' of right-of-way seems significant <br /> until berms are put in. The plan shows a trail going along <br /> McCulley Road at some time and the Park Commission may want to <br /> look at retaining an off-road trail next to McCulley Road, <br /> probably on the west side of McCulley Road. An additional 30' <br /> for a bike trail would make sense. <br /> A motion was made by Johnston, seconded by Vongries, that the <br /> City retain along the west side of McCulley Road a bike trail <br /> corridor of 30' in width and also either retain the parking area <br /> as City property or deed it to the DNR for the purpose of a <br /> parking lot for the Luce Line. Ayes - 5, Nays - 0. Motion <br /> passed. <br /> The second piece of property to be discussed was the Old Sewage <br /> Plant property described as being just northwest of French Lake <br /> off Old Crystal Bay Road. Gerhardson stated there is probably in <br /> excess of 20 acres at this site but only about 6 - 8 acres of dry <br /> buildable. The appraisal on this was at $275,000. <br /> Wilson described this property as a fabulous wetlands complex. <br /> The pond was used as a sewage pond for about 15 years and for the <br /> last 15 years it has been left as a pond. When it was created, <br /> the edges were bermed so that it has potential to walk around. <br /> French Lake is a very pretty wildlife lake, the pond would be to <br /> the northwest and Lake Minnetonka is close. This makes a flyway <br /> for the birds - tundra swans and diving ducks because the pond <br /> was kept at a depth where the divers would come in. French Lake <br /> attracts puddle ducks and some geese. The depth of the pond was <br /> significant to the type of wildlife attracted including beaver <br /> and pheasants. The rest of the wetlands complex is marshland. <br /> Wilson referred to a map provided by the DNR and stated that the <br /> DNR has designated this as a protected water area. Protected <br /> water means that it drains into Lake Minnetonka. If any building <br /> is done in this area, the wetlands would have to be protected and <br /> preserved according to Flint. Wilson also said anything <br /> designated as L cannot be touched. She feels this has great <br /> potential for a nature preserve in Orono. <br /> Vongries asked if this is all wetlands that can't be touched why <br /> it is valued at $275,000. Gerhardson responded that there is 6 - <br /> 8 acres of dry buildable. This property was originally bought <br /> for the sewage pond. It had been condemned by the City and then <br /> bought. It belonged to the Ellis's at one time and was bought <br /> f rom them at a very low price according to Wi 1 son. As noted on <br /> 9 <br />