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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br /> Monday March 13,2017 <br /> 7:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> 6. SAGA HILLS PARK PROJECT—Continued- <br /> The scope of work includes clearing trees from and planting the hilltop area with native grasses, installing <br /> trail and information signs, installing two benches, and installing trail gates. Also being proposed is <br /> yearly maintenance of the cleared area going into the future. <br /> Edwards displayed a map depicting the different sections of Saga Hill. Edwards noted the proposed azea <br /> of clearing is depicted in green and consists of approximately 4.5 acres. The yellow line depicts the <br /> existing trail system that would also be improved. <br /> Edwards stated the City acquired Saga Hill through a number of grants and volunteer efforts to raise <br /> funds. This park has a number of unique attributes to it,with a number of nice tree stands and a portion <br /> of Big Woods. The point of the project is to clear out the less desirable trees from around the nicer tree <br /> stands. <br /> At its March 3, 2017, meeting,the Park Commission voted 7-0 to recommend the City proceed forward <br /> with the improvement project for the park. <br /> Edwards noted they have not gone out for bids yet, but the estimated cost for the project is $36,780. The <br /> majority of the cost is for the clearing and the replanting of native grasses. This project would be funded <br /> through the Park Fund. The balance of the Park Fund is projected to be $808,863 at the end of 2017 if <br /> this project is approved. <br /> Staff recommends approval of the project. <br /> Walsh stated from a historical perspective,the Park Commission was reconstituted approximately two <br /> and a half years ago,with the goal being to bring the City's parks back to functional usage. Saga Hills <br /> contains one of the highest points of ground in western Hennepin County. Walsh noted the part that is <br /> being discussed for the clearing is the highest part. A number of years ago a person would be able to see <br /> the lake from that point. <br /> Walsh stated the Park Commission attempts to try and find one pazk every year to improve functionally <br /> and bring it back to what it was historically. Walsh stated the City also has had some people volunteer to <br /> help remove the trees. Walsh stated if this project is approved,the City could perhaps do it for less than <br /> what is projected or the area could be expanded with the help of the volunteers. Walsh commended the <br /> Park Commission for researching the history of the park and working on the proposed improvements. <br /> Brenda Johnson, Park Commissioner, stated one of the really unique elements of the park is the fact that <br /> there was a private and public partnership to try and save this area as an open space. T'hat group of <br /> interested citizens got together with the Park Commission and they are excited about the project. In <br /> addition, Bryce Johnson on the Park Commission has done a great job of researching the history of the <br /> park. Johnson stated in some of the City parks,the history defines the park,and Saga Hills is one of those <br /> historic parks. <br /> Seals asked what the undesirable trees consist of. <br /> Page 4 of 32 <br />