12-04-1999 Park Commission Minutes

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ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR DECEMBER 6, 1999 Rail to Trail project. Meyers commented that the railroad has recently experienced an incident where the train went off the tracks, noting that he took photographs of the scene and will be submitting them to the newspaper office. Meyers stated if a railroad car stays upright but leaves the tracks, it is not considered a derailment but merely an incident. Meyers indicated that type of incident has occurred numerous times on this railroad line. Wilson commented that the local press should be made aware of this situation, and recommended that a record be kept of the number of incidents that do occur on this line. McDermott stated the newspaper article was a little misleading, noting that the City of Orono is still very interested in pursuing this project, with Minnetonka Beach being uncommitted to the project at this time. (#4) PUBLIC COMMENTS None (#5) WELCOME NEW COMMISSIONER, RICK MEYERS Meyers introduced himself to the members of the Parks Commission, noting that he has had an active interest in the local neighborhood parks for most of his life. Meyers indicated that while he did obtain a college degree in planning, he ended up in law enforcement, working for the Hennepin County Sheriff's Department for the past 22 years. Meyers stated he became involved in designing the Cedar Lake Bike Trail, the Lake Minnehaha Park, as well as other projects while he resided in the Minneapolis area. Since moving to the Navarre area, Meyers indicated he has become active in the Dakota Rail to Trail project and has a personat interest in improving the Navarre Park, which in his view could become a focal point for the community. Meyers stated overall he would like to see a good quality park system for all the residents of Orono. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/UPDATES Item # 6 was discussed after Item #11. (#7) Saga Hill Page 2