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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-04-2016 Park Commission Minutes MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday,January 4,2016 6:30 o'clock p.m. ROLL CALL The Orono Park Commission met on the above-mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Rick Meyers, Commissioners Jan Berg, Bryce Johnson, and Paul Pesek. Representing Staff were Public Works Director/City Engineer Adam Edwards and Recorder Jackie Young. Mayor Lili Tod McMillan and Council Member Levang were present. Chair Rick Meyers called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of November 2,2015,Park Commission Meeting Meyers requested the following corrections be made to the minutes: Page 4, Item 5,the word moved should be changed to mowed; Page 5, Item 5, the word south should be north in regards to Crystal Bay Park; Page 6, Item 7, add the words Navarre Park in regards to the basketball court; Page 8, Item 6, Meyers stated all dogs should be on leashes in all City-owned parks. Pesek moved,Berg seconded,to approve the minutes of the Orono Park Commission meeting of November 2,2015,as corrected. VOTE: Ayes 4,Nays 0. PRESENTATIONS 2. Certificate of Appreciation for Eagle Project at French Creek Adam Edwards presented Thaddeus Steele with a certificate of appreciation for his work installing three benches in French Creek. Edwards stated Thaddeus provided labor and managed the project, with the City providing the materials. Thaddeus Steele thanked Mr. Edwards for his help coordinating the project and the City for providing the materials. 3. Boy Scout Eagle Project at Antoine Park-Will Hutton Will Hutton addressed the Park Commission regarding an Eagle Scout project he would like to do. The project would consist of a butterfly garden at Hackberry Park, which would help attract butterflies, create a sustainable area for pollinators, and help beautify the park. Some of the flowers being considered are purple coneflower, hollyhock, peonies, milkweed, goldenrod,Joe-pye weed, yarrow, turtlehead, and daylilies. Hutton stated he received approval from Troop 206,the Eagle Scout Board of Review, and North Star Council of Minnesota. The plans and concept have been reviewed with Public Works Director Adam Edwards and Park Commissioner Sarah Lindahl. Hutton stated he also presented the concept plan to the neighbors and inquired about donations. Hutton indicated the remaining steps include approval from the City Council and creation of a concept design with the specific flower location, building a border around the garden, gathering and planting of the flowers, and maintaining the garden. Hutton stated the planning will revolve around the types of Page 1 of 8 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday,January 4,2016 6:30 o'clock p.m. donated flowers received and that he will be reaching out to community members for donations. The final step to address will be the long-term maintenance of the garden consisting of watering and weeding, which would need to be done by either the City or volunteers. Hutton indicated he will require two cubic yards of woodchips to help maintain weeds and moisture. The garden will be planted by friends,neighbors and Boy Scouts from Troop 206. The border material will be either wood or cobblestone,which will need to be donated by the City. Hutton stated he would like to install the border first. Meyers asked what the feedback of the neighbors has been. Hutton stated most of them indicated they would be willing to help. Meyers stated he would be able to help out with equipment needs if necessary. Meyers asked if an exact location has been determined for the garden yet. Edwards noted the area they picked would be around the sign stating Roberta Lee Antoine Playground as well as an area behind the playlet. Meyers commented the soil will likely have to be improved. Edwards indicated the City would be able to bring in some good soil to place in those two areas as well as some mulch. Meyers stated it is always nice to have plants in parks to help beautify them and attract more visitors to the park. Edwards stated the City has river stones on hand which could be used. Edwards stated the City will provide the materials and the project management and labor would be provided by Will. Pesek asked who will maintain the area once it is planted. Hutton stated he has handed out fliers about plant donations and that it is likely the City will need to maintain the garden long-term. Meyers noted there is not a water source at the park and that it would be nice to recruit one of the adjoining neighbors to water the plants periodically or allow someone to use their water. Edwards stated they are hoping to have someone volunteer to take care of the garden long-term or the Public Works Department will need to water it. Meyers stated in his view the part-time parks employee could maintain it. Council Member Levang asked when he would like the plants donated by. Hutton stated he does not have a specific deadline at this time. Page 2 of 8 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday,January 4,2016 6:30 o'clock p.m. Council Member Levang suggested he let Mr. Edwards know when he is ready for the plants, who could then contact the Park Commission. Hutton thanked the Park Commission for their assistance and support of this project. Meyers moved,Berg seconded,to conceptually approve Will Hutton's Eagle Scout project at Marie Antoine Park. VOTE: Ayes 4,Nays 0. PUBLIC COMMENT None CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 4. Chair and Vice Chair Appointment Discussion Meyers stated due to the absences of three of the park commissioners from tonight's meeting,he is not sure whether the Park Commission should discuss this item. Edwards stated at the next City Council meeting, the annual appointments will be made and it would be nice to have the chair and vice chair of the Park Commission appointed at the same time. Edwards stated since three of the seven commissioners are missing tonight, it might be best to do it at a later time. Pesek stated he would re-nominate Mr. Meyers as chair since he has done a good job. Berg indicated she is in agreement and that she would like to see him continue as chair. It was the consensus of the Park Commission that Rick Meyers continue as chair and Jan Berg continue as co-chair. 5. Lurton Park Transition to Off Leash Park Meyers stated at a meeting with some Staff members, the Mayor and himself,the Lurton family indicated they are in favor of the dog park. The next step will be to determine the layout of the park. The expenses for the dog park would need to be compiled and then approved by the City Council. Meyers recommended the Park Commission ask the City Council to allocate the money from the park dedication fees since it is a capital improvement. Meyers noted the Lurton family has donated money towards maintenance but that money should not be spent on creating the dog park. Pesek asked what percentage of the total park would be dedicated to the dog park. Meyers stated it would be the entire area, including the woods. Meyers stated that would also include the woods. Edwards noted there will be sections of the park that will be protected, such as some of the prairie land. Page 3 of 8 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday,January 4,2016 6:30 o'clock p.m. Meyers stated the fencing would surround some of the prairie areas and that the small dog park could perhaps be in the prairie area with some trails through the prairie. Meyers stated they would need to determine which areas should be fenced and that nothing has been determined at this point. Edwards stated he is looking between now and March to firm up the planning of the park and that he would like to have an informal meeting with the subcommittee to discuss what they are envisioning for the dog park. Edwards noted some representatives from the City will be meeting with the Lurton family sometime in March. Meyers stated the dog park subcommittee could get together and discuss their ideas for the park and then the Park Commission could discuss it at their February work session. Edwards noted the Mayor, some members of the Lurton family, and himself also met with Three Rivers to discuss what they envision for maintenance of the park and the issues they envision with a dog park. Pesek noted Edina charges people to use their dog park. Meyers stated he likes the Three Rivers model,which requires a yearly pass, but that there are some details that will need to be worked out. Meyers stated he is not sure what number of passes would be reasonable. Pesek stated the Park Commission should also look at whether the dog park will be restricted to Orono residents. Mayor McMillan stated the biggest item to figure out at this point is where the fencing will go. McMillan stated this is a new concept to the City and that she would like the Park Commission to figure out how the dog park will operate and then the City Council can discuss the costs and how it will be managed. McMillan stated if the Park Commission wants it opened in 2016,the location of the fencing has to be determined and then the Public Works Director can determine the costs. The Lurton family has specifically requested that the money for the dog park not be taken out of the maintenance funds. McMillan stated she would like the entire Park Commission to have input into it but that a subcommittee to get things moving would be fine. Meyers stated the subcommittee could present their determinations at the February work session and then the Park Commission can fine tune the options. Johnson noted dog parks are not only a place for the dogs but that their owners also like to get together and mingle. Johnson stated that should also be discussed. Meyers stated Nancy Lurton would like this park to honor her stepmother and that she seemed very amenable to the concept. Meyers noted there are already benches and picnic tables at the park. The Park Commission took no formal action on this item. Page 4 of 8 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday,January 4,2016 6:30 o'clock p.m. 6. Livingston Park Update Meyers reported work on Livingston Park has basically been completed given the nice weather. Meyers stated the trees and grass have been planted and that they should take off in the spring. Meyers stated basically the only outstanding item is the butterfly garden and the painting of the shed. Edwards stated the hardscape items have been completed, including the trees and grass. One of the outstanding items is the planting of the more fragile plants. An ADA compliant pedestrian ramp has also been installed by the Public Works Department. Edwards stated in the spring the benches and picnic tables will be installed and are on order at this time. The Public Works Department will also complete work on the water fountain in the spring or early summer. Meyers stated some big rocks will be placed at the park as a visual point and there will also be a butterfly garden. Meyers stated in his view some of the trees still need a little more trimming but that the fencing is up around the equipment. Meyers stated overall the park looks great. Pesek asked what discussion has been had with Three Rivers regarding the trail. Meyers indicated he will be meeting with a representative of Three Rivers on January 11`h to discuss the potential for a bathroom and drinking facility at the park and what contribution Three Rivers could make towards those projects. Meyers stated there is also an opportunity at Crystal Bay Park for a bathroom and/or a drinking facility. Meyers indicated he will keep the Park Commission updated on those discussions. Council Member Levang asked if there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony. Meyers stated that would be nice and that they will definitely consider holding some type of ceremony in the spring. Council Member Levang asked whether the name of the park will be changed. Meyers stated he is fine with Livingston Park since that name is currently on all the City documents. Meyers indicated they will be having a small sign made up with the name of the park. STAFF REPORTS 7. Public Works Director/City Engineer Update Edwards reported the Public Works Department has completed the following work: flooded the ice rink at Casco Point; buckthorn removal and three benches installed at French Creek; improvement project at Livingston Park consisting of hardscape and trees and bushes planted; reworking covenants to allow an off-leash park at Lurton; a new fence, a new tree, and new rip-rap installed at Lydiard Beach; the shoulder repaired at Saga Hill Preserve; and snow and ice removal on the OCE trail. The dock has been removed on Big Island and buckthorn removal and a kitchen remodel has been completed at the Orono Golf Course. Edwards noted the money allocated for the parks by the City Council was all spent in 2015 and that the tree trimming was halted in December due to a lack of money to pay the contractor. Page 5 of 8 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday,January 4,2016 6:30 o'clock p.m. Berg noted the cut branches at Lydiard still need to be removed. Edwards noted work that is still pending includes the installation of direction signs at French Creek, plantings at Livingston Park, creation of a site plan for Lurton, placement of new sand at Lydiard Beach, rebuilding the retaining wall at Navarre playground, and tree trimming at Summit Beach. Johnson noted he has spoken with some representatives from the Orono Baseball Association and that they have indicated they are in favor of removing the concession stand. The Baseball Association has requested that an electric outlet remain so they can use their pitching machines in that area. Meyers stated he would like to see the building knocked down this winter if possible. Council Member Levang recommended a letter or some type of formal document be obtained from the Orono Baseball Association stating they are fine with the removal of the stand even though it is on city poperty. SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS 8. Crystal Bay Planning Timeline- Sarah Lindahl No report. 9. Sandy Beach Planning Timeline-Jan Berg Berg stated she does not have a timeline for the work at this time but that the Public Works Department will be cleaning out the drainage ditch, placing new sand on the beach, and continue the mowing. Berg stated in her view they do not need more fencing along the road. Berg stated there might also be some minor tree trimming the will need to be done. Meyers asked if the sign has been painted. Edwards stated to his recollection all the park signs have been painted. Berg stated the City should recognize the neighbor for her work at the park. Berg indicated she waters the grass and has placed plantings there. Meyers requested Commissioner Berg provide Edwards with her name and other contact information so the Park Commission can recognize her efforts. Berg stated the sign is rotting from the top and that something will need to be done with it. Council Member Levang noted there is some shrubbery on the east side and the ditch on the west side. Levang asked who owns the shrubs that are on the right-hand side. Edwards stated there is a privacy fence on the right side, which is basically the property line on that side, and that the other property line is just past the ditch. Edwards stated the shrubs are on city property. Council Member Levang suggested the shrubs be looked at to see if they should be trimmed. Page 6 of 8 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday,January 4,2016 6:30 o'clock p.m. 10. Saga Hills Planning Timeline-Julie Ruegemer Meyers noted he received an e-mail from Commissioner Ruegemer indicating that she has met with Commissioner Brenda Johnson and that they are in the process of compiling a list of items that should be done at the park. Meyers stated the Park Commission can discuss that at their March meeting. 11. Seven Nations Cultural History Scope& Goal-Brenda Johnson Edwards noted Mike Gaffron has a file on the history of the park. Meyers requested a copy of that file be given to Brenda Johnson. 12. Trails Scope& Goal-Brenda Johnson Pesek indicated he will meet with Brenda Johnson on the trails. Edwards stated the City will be reworking the Comprehensive Plan in the near future and that there is a whole chapter in the Comprehensive Plan that covers parks and trails. Edwards stated that would be an opportunity to help inform the Comprehensive Plan as it relates to those items. Meyers asked if there is an overall trail map. Edwards stated the City does have a map identifying future trail corridors but not the trail easements that have already been obtained by the City. Edwards stated he understands Commissioner Brenda Johnson is willing to look through the City files to help identify the easements the City has already obtained. 13. Community Outreach Scope & Goal-Julie Ruegemer Meyers stated the two recent Eagle Scout projects demonstrate that there is some move towards community outreach that is happening. Meyers noted the Girl Scouts are also considering a couple of projects. Meyers stated Commissioner Ruegemer could perhaps approach the schools about adopting a wood lot, which is a new concept she is considering. 14. Outside Funding Scope& Goal-Bryce Johnson Johnson stated in order not to waste a lot of time pursuing grants, any grant proposal should be harmonized with the priorities of the City for the year's projects or relate to a special project for a given park. Johnson stated an example of that is the Orono Baseball Association, who would like to apply for two grants for Bederwood Park, one from the Twins Community Fund and one from Hennepin County, which is an example of where the park chair could get involved. Johnson indicated he did look at the website for the Office of Grant Management. Johnson noted the Park Commission had expressed some interest in doing a historical sign at some of the parks and that the Minnesota Historical Society offers grants for that type of project. Meyers stated he is in agreement the grants should be focused. Meyers indicated he was speaking with Mayor Zerbe, who indicated his city had received a$200,000 grant to install some Astroturf behind their city hall for a lacrosse field. Meyers stated he was not aware that type of money was available and that it Page 7 of 8 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday,January 4,2016 6:30 o'clock p.m. would be worthwhile for the City to look into it. Meyers noted the City does not currently have a lacrosse field and that they may want to add that to the list of potential future projects. Edwards stated there are a number of grants available for sports-related projects but that there should be a master plan of some type. 15. Commissioner's Updates No additional reports were given. ADJOURNMENT Pesek moved,Berg seconded,to adjourn the Orono Parks Commission meeting at 7:33 p.m. VOTE: Ayes 4,Nays 0. ATTEST 4/ .14 tielb 441/U .-yrY1.0 r lc Me rs, Chair lids"/LRyfe_ V ) oi) Page 8 of 8