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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,May 1,2017 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> $310 apiece. The benches installed at the active parks were approximately $700 apiece,which does not <br /> include the concrete pad. <br /> Meyers noted the benches do not need to be purchased immediately and that the Park Commission could <br /> discuss that at a later time. <br /> Bryce Johnson stated he submitted a draft to the City Clerk today regarding the coming improvements to <br /> Saga Park for the City newsletter. Johnson requested Adam review that to ensure all the information is <br /> correct. <br /> Edwards stated the improvements will be done sometime this summer and that work will likely begin the <br /> end of May, early June. <br /> 3. NORTH ARM TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY <br /> Edwards noted last year the Park Commission requested a feasibility study be completed for a possible <br /> trail connection from West Branch Road to the Lakeville Legacy Park along the south side of North Arm <br /> Drive. The study has been completed and the cost of trail construction is estimated to be around $79,650. <br /> The trail would be approximately one-half mile in length and four feet wide consisting of aggregate. <br /> Edwards stated he would recommend the trail be incorporated into the capital improvement plan if the <br /> Park Commission would like to complete the trail in the near future. Otherwise the trail could be added to <br /> the Comprehensive Plan Update. <br /> Meyers noted the Park Commission initially discussed the trees hanging over the road resulting in poor <br /> visibility and that they should be cut back. It was felt that something more could be done in that area to <br /> help pedestrians walk down to the park, which resulted in the feasibility study. Meyers stated the cutting <br /> back of the trees has improved the visibility considerably. <br /> Bryce Johnson stated in his view, given the narrowness of the road,the speed of the vehicles, and more <br /> pedestrians walking in the area, a trail would add some safety for the pedestrians. Johnson noted this is <br /> probably the only place in Orono where a trail would be located along a Native American trail. Johnson <br /> stated the Shakopee Greenfield Trail goes along that spot. Given the history, the Park Commission could <br /> perhaps explore some funding from the Native American people. <br /> Johnson indicated the goal is to keep the trail more natural. Johnson stated he understands a few <br /> neighbors have raised a concern about losing their privacy with the trail, but that in his view that will not <br /> be the case since it will be a walking path. Johnson stated the Park Commission could also replace some <br /> of the trees that would need to be removed even though they are volunteer trees. Johnson stated it is his <br /> belief there would be a lot of support from the residents in the Loma Linda area and the Forest Lake area. <br /> Meyers stated a public hearing on the trail would probably be appropriate prior to going forward with the <br /> trail. <br /> Bryce Johnson stated he would like to know how much dirt would be moved and how many trees would <br /> need to be removed prior to the public hearing. <br /> Page 2 of 9 <br />