07-27-2020 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, March 2nd, 2020 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 1 of 14 2. PROPOSAL FOR BOATHOUSE IN SUMMIT BEACH PARK-LONG LAKE ROWING CREW Edwards noted the Commissioners tabled the item in November 2019 for further comment and refinement. He explained that the Park Commission is an advisory board to the City Council and gives a recommendation to them after the meeting. Regardless of the Park Commission’s decision, the applicant could bring the item to the Council for a decision. He discussed the process that would take place. Ms. Rachel Feldmann asked if there were o nly two or if there were more recommendations the Park Commission would be giving to the City Council. Edwards stated that there could be a wide range of recommendations. Ms. Feldmann asked if it could still go to the City Council if the recommendation was a no. Edwards said the Council holds the authority to say no while the Park Commission is simply an advisory board. The applicant can decide whether or not to go to the City Council based on their recommendation. Mr. Rob Burrell, President of the Long Lake Rowing Crew (LLRC), thanked everyone for the chance to talk about and explore a potential partnership between the City and LLRC. He stated that LLRC is a 501(c)(3), a non-profit, volunteer -driven, with a mission to bring the sport of rowing to Orono, Long Lake, and the surrounding communities. They provide community education classes for youth and adults and special programs for community groups. Their vision is to become the most all-inclusive fun and competitive rowing club in the Twin Cities. Their mission statement is to provide expert instruction to promote personal and competitive achievement and enrich members and the community through the sport of rowing. The project goal is to build a permanent home at Summit Park, which includes storage for boats and equipment, space to conduct indoor training, and an opportunity to better serve the community through the sport of rowing. He stated one of their core values is community service and described events they have participated in. They also constantly survey the lake for water quality and report safety concerns. All of their spots were filled in community ed in 2019. Classes in 2020 will only be offered to Orono residents to accommodate Orono’s residents. LLRC also brings retail patronage to Long Lake and Orono during their season. He noted in 2018 they received a special commendation from the Long Lake City Council for their commitment to service. Mr. Burrell stated in November 2019 the Park Commission charged the LLRC to educate, inform, let people a sk questions, and listen. He feels they have done so by extending invitations and having meetings with the Park Commissioners and members of the Orono and Long Lake City Councils. They had a meeting with the Summit Park neighbors on January 8, individual meetings with a number of lakeshore and City residents, and fielded numerous phone calls from residents who could not attend the meeting. He displayed a revised site plan of 6,900 square feet, a reduction of about 24% from the original plan. The overall height of the building has decreased from 2 to 1½ stories. Public restrooms have been included in the rear of the building. They are flexible on the location of the docks; they will not be occupying the beach area. They will be working with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District to minimize any environmental impact. Mr. Burrell explained the different programs offered by the Rowing Crew and how they operate in terms of traffic in and out of the park. They would require a long-term lease agreement for land and a guarantee