01-06-1994 Park Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING THUR5DAY, JANUARY 6, 1994 volunteered to meet with him to discuss this and determine if a better means of maintaining the rinks could be achieved. The Commission decided to keep monitoring the rinks throughout the winter and make a decision regarding them once the season was over. (#6) PREPARATION FOR FEBRUARY 7TH PUBLIC MEETING AT WHICH OLD CRYSTAL BAY SITE WILL BE DISCUSSED WITH INPUT FROM NEIGHBOR5. REVIEW OF MAP REQUESTED FROM CITY 5TAFF. McMillan reviewed the draft letter regarding the public hearing on the Old Crystal Bay Site scheduled for the ne� Park Commission meeting. It was suggested that the time, date and place of the meeting be prominently displayed at the top of the notice. Otherwise, the Commission felt the letter was very clear and well done. (#7) REVIEW OF PRELIMINARY PLAT PLAN FOR DICKEY/COFFIN DEVELOPMENT Dick Putnam was present and handed out a notice for a neighborhood meeting which included copies of the proposed plat. He showed aerial photographs of the sites, and reviewed the wetland issues. He discussed the potential for trail connections to the Luce Line Trail and parks. He reviewed the revised plat and discussed the changes from the earlier submittal. He noted that the developer has been able to create a wetland area and a pond system to mitigate the wetland alterations that will need to be done to develop the property. He stated that the State Historical Society and the State do not have any records in existence which identify the site as an historical site. He commented that if the lot was designated as an historical site, the highway corridor may not be located where it is presently proposed. He stated they have not yet been able to get any official designation from any government agency that will affirm that this is an historical site. MnDOT has hired a consultant to determine whether this is a Native American site requiring preservation. He commented that there are a number of Native American spiritual leaders who believe that this is a site of historical significance requiring preservation. The process of affirming this will take some months yet, and he did not believe a determination would be made prior of May of 1994. He noted that this determination would have to be made prior to construction of the highway corridor. If it is determined that this is not an historical site, then decisions will have to be made regarding whether it should be used as a park or developed as a single family lot. The parcel is located in the area designated as the second phase of the development, and Mr. Putnam did not feel the delay would cause any problems with the rest of the development. Discussion ensued regarding the location of the wetlands on the property and the mitigation requirements. Mr. Putnam reviewed the proposed trail locations and the 5