04-23-2018 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday,April 23,2018 7:00 o'clock p.m. 20. APPROVAL FOR BIG ISLAND MASTER PLAN—Continued The City of Orono's and MCWD's goal is to preserve the property's unique history and to maintain its significant ecological value. In addition to the initial investment and purchase,the Watershed District has also invested$997,000 in public funds for two shore stabilization projects on the Island. MCWD's most recent coordination with the City on Big Island has been the review of the Big Island Master Plan. MCWD Staff has reviewed the plan and approves of it in concept. At its April meeting,the MCWD Board chose not to take action on the overall master plan but will consider the different components of the plan as they are brought forward. The improvements will need to be permitted under the terms of the conservation easement and should be designed to foster and not be contrary to the user's ecological experience and not negatively impact any of the ecological system,and the improvements should provide a minimal impact to the area. If the improvements attract vandalism,the City will need to manage and maintain the facilities in the future. Dunlash stated the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District looks forward to working with Staff as the process moves forward. Crosby stated in his view the plan is very thoughtful,it helps preserve the natural feel of the Island,and enhances accessibility. Crosby commented it will serve the veterans and other residents of the community well. Walsh stated he is fully supportive of the plan and that he appreciates all the work of the Big Island Committee and the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District. Seals noted the intent was never to go to the MCWD meeting and gain approval of the plan,but the intent was to gain their input. Seals stated as any project is undertaken,it will be brought before the MCWD. Walsh commented the City has already done some improvements on the Island and that they are now partnering with Home Depot through Camp Gratitude to perform more improvements. Walsh stated the master plan helps provide guidance on future improvements to the park and will also help enhance the veterans' enjoyment of the park. Rick Carter,2780 Shadywood Road,stated he has been very involved with the plan as part of the Big Island Committee and that he also serves on the Park Commission. Carter noted the Park Commission unanimously approved the plan at its last meeting. Carter stated the plan is a concept plan and that one of the main things the Big Island Committee is looking for is collaboration on seeking funds. Carter recommended the City Council vote in favor of the master plan. Seals noted one of the questions raised in the letter from the Watershed District was what Orono has done and plans to do. Seals stated within the last year the City has hired a full-time parks person that is dedicated to parks. The City will also have someone out there every two weeks to keep an eye on things, which historically has not happened. In addition,the City has procured a storage structure for the lawnmower and portions of the park will be regularly mowed. Seals stated they have a dedicated committee made up of people with a variety of backgrounds and lots of great ideas. Seals stated a number of people are involved in making Big Island better,and that just because it is tough to manage does not mean it should be ignored. Seals stated it is 50-plus acres in the Page 10 of 15