01-05-1998 Park Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 5, 1998 (#4 Carpenter Property Sketch Plan - Continued) Discussion was held regarding the retaining walls. The fence currently located on the property could be placed on top of the retaining walls. The stone gates can be moved. McDermott asked about the pond. Welles said the route could come back in from the pond. Wilson voiced opposition to retaining walls suggesting the grade be taken down. She thought lilac bushes would be attractive. Gappa said some retaining walls would be necessary. Wilson questioned whether the use of retaining walls would hinder the rural character of the area. Erickson questioned whether the new large homes would also affect the rural feel. Wilson asked if any of the Commissioners were interested in taking land for a buffer on the lake. Problems with access, marshy conditions, and acquiring lakeshore were noted. It was determined that with the lineal footage on Old Crystal Bay Road, a width of about 40' could be obtained. A bike route would require between 20-30'. Welles felt it would make sense to take the minimal amount of land and the remainder in cash. If land was taken for buffering only, less land would be required. The current trail on the east side has been cleared and gravel has been added. There are several large trees on this side. The terrain is better for a bike route on the west side. Wilson suggested recommending the bike route for the west side, even though the bike route currently exists on the east side. If the Council determines they do not desire a change to the bike route, she suggested money be taken in lieu of land for park dedication. The Park Commission would like to see the bike route be completed to Noerenberg Park and is concerned with completion of the bike route on the east side due to the location of existing homes. McDermott felt the bike route could cross to the west side in another area and preferred cash be taken for park dedication. Wilson indicated this scenario would cause the bike route to cross the roadway twice. Wilson voiced concern with being able to complete the trail to Noerenberg if this land was not taken for park dedication. Gappa agreed that it is important for the trail to continue and be completed. Welles moved, Ilse seconded, to recommend park dedication be taken in the minimum amount of land necessary for the design of a bike route to maintain the character of the property with the remainder taken in cash. Welles amended his motion to recommend that as the Planning Commission evaluates the project, they consider taking land for a bike route and review the problem with continuing the current bike route on the east side owned by the City. The Park Commission needs to analyze whether the need is shown for the trail on the west side. 6