08-12-1996 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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1 MINUTES OF THE JOINT COUNCIL/PARK COMMISSION WORK SESSION HELD ON TUESDAY, JULY 30, 1996 Dick Flint, Park Commission Chair, indicated the Park Commission has been working on a Park Master Plan and is seeking Council direction prior to further work on the plan. Flint requested general comments from the Council regarding the Master Plan. Councilmember Hurr suggested that the language in the Master Plan calling for specific city actions should indicate the city "may" take specific actions versus "will", so that the city can maintain some flexibility in implementing the plan. There was some discussion regarding the need to submit the master plan to the Metropolitan Council if it is to be a formal amendment to the city ’s Comprehensive Plan. One of the elements of the Master Plan is the identification of current and future park land needs. It was suggested the city identify and designate specific areas to be set aside for park land prior to the remainder of the city ’s open land being subdivided. This would enable the developers to be aware of the planned park land as they are planning their subdivisions. It was indicated that parents are tending to accompany their children to parks rather than allowing them to go to parks without adult supervision. There was discussion regarding funding for parks including park land acquisition, park improvements, and park maintenance. It was suggested that the Master Plan should include a statement indicating it is the city ’s intent to develop parks that require minimal ongoing maintenance, and to use volunteer organizations, the schools, etc. to provide for the maintenance of the parks and to coordinate any recreational programs in the parks. It was suggested that a reserve fund, or something similar, be initiated to provide funds for park maintenance, park improvements, and park expansion. It was also suggested that the city continue to pursue grant funds to assist in funding park expenditures. There was discussion as to whether the city should consider the development of higher activity park areas, and if so, where they should be located. It was suggested that the city s neighborhood parks should not be made more active. It was indicated that area of Orono that is part of the Westonka School District has very little park area. The city should look for a site or sites for additional park land to serve this area. It was suggested that a tree planting or tree preservation program or requirements or incentives be added to the city ’s subdivision regulations. The purpose would be to retain or provide landscaping/screening to maintain the rural "forested" appearance. I