06-01-2020 Park Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, March 2nd, 2020 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 16 of 20 Stephens asked what they were doing to that. Edwards answered that it is a trail realignment to get better sight lines for both bicyclists and vehicles. Edwards said there was direction from the Council for the City to look at maintaining some Three Rivers Park District trails beginning the winter of 2020-2021 such as plowing. Three Rivers does not maintain their trails but gives municipalities the opportunity to pick up the workload and cost. Orono declines this opportunity with the exception of the section of the Independence Trail which runs in front of the building, because it serves as a sidewalk for the school district. The City will be maintaining the Dakota Trail around the Wayzata intersection through potentially the far side of Spring Park. Roath asked what adjacent cities’ plans were. Edwards responded that other cities’ plans were not to do anything but one of the Councilmembers is trying to work with other elected officials to see if an agreement can be made that everyone does it or everyone applies more pressure on Three Rivers so they do it. He noted some people want the trail plowed so they can walk on it; some people want it to remain the same so they can go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. The cost would come out of the operations and maintenance budget and would run $5,000-$6,000 per year. Roath stated there was a typo regarding “Crystal Bay Park Maintained for Skating,” indicating that it was not this year. Edwards agreed and said it should read “Casco Point Rink.” Roath commented it would be nice to see how financially successful the sledding at the golf course was. Ruegemer clarified whether Roath was referring to beverage sales. Edwards indicated they keep track of that and those numbers could be run. Ruegemer asked if the City was trying to make money or just break even. Roath said he was sure the City lost money. It is just an accounting of what the investment was to have Staff there and if it was offset by sales. Edwards stated that they did make sales but after paying the attendant $15 an hour, there is not much left. It is a service the City wants to provide. SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS 5. LURTON PARK DOG DAYS EVENT Ruegemer asked if June 20 would be an option this year, noting last year the event took place on June 22 and it seemed to work well. Commissioners and Edwards indicated that date would work well.