06-15-2010 Council Work Session Packet

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Big Island Park Management Activity June 15,2010 Page 2 Initial Actions In February 2006 a Big Island Park Committee was appointed by the City Council to assist in formulating an action plan for making the property available for public enjoyment. The Committee identified immediate items of concern, including: 1) Removal of hazardous buildings; 2) Refurbish remaining buildings: a)NW & South Pavilions & T South toilet building- need to make ADA compliant, functional, and vandal-proof; b) Entrance office; c) block storage buildings 3) General ADA accessibility for docks, bathrooms, pathways to bathrooms, etc. 4) Site work needed, including grading of pathways; shoreline erosion control; general debris removal; tree trimming; well/water system functionality; protect existing septic systems; electric service &phone lines. 5) Identify City permit and other approvals needed (Permanent Dock CUP, demo permits, plumbing permits, etc. 6) Other safety items such as fence at bluff areas, etc. 7) GPS all buried facilities and utility lines 8) Orono Schools proposed Summer Institute 9) Coordination of public safety services During 2006 the MCWD Conservation Easement was formally established and mapped. The City Council authorized expenditures for burying power lines and replacement of the well. A Hazardous Materials Inventory of the mess hall, cabins, and storage buildings on the property was completed in preparation far demolition, and the historic significance and value of the remaining buildings was considered prior to their removal. Gabriel Jabbour with the assistance of many volunteers completed the new well and water system, refurbished restroom facilities, removed unsafe structures and equipment, and made significant progress on general debris cleanup. The amount of debris accumulated throughout the 57-acre property over many decades was far in excess of that anticipated. Gabriel was careful to avoid disturbance of the natural amenities of the site during demolition and debris removal. 2006 was also the initial session of Orono Schools' Big Island Institute. Melanie DeLuca reported that the Institute spent 9 weeks on the Island, with 156 students participating (Grades 2- 8). 36 Scholarships were provided for low-income children, and 23 communities were represented by students that participated. Major financial contributors to the Institute included Rotary Clubs of Orono, Westonka, Plymouth, and Wayzata; the Jeffers Foundation; and the Freshwater Society In November 2006 the Council recognized the significant contributions of volunteers who donated their time, talents, effort and equipment toward improving Big Island Park totaling the equivalent of more than $350,000 in value. Those recognized included Wes Bendickson, Tom Niccum, Brett Niccum, Tony Schmidt, Don Anthony, Mike Brown, Gabriel Jabbour, and Greg Wenzel of Xcel Energy.