Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-02-2014 Park Commission Packet - CancelledAGENDA CITY OF ORONO PARK COMMISSION Tuesday, September 2, 2014 at 7:00 pm 2780 Kelley Parkway — Council Chambers PRESENTATION 1. Eagle Scout Project Proposal - Alex Knueppel OLD BUSINESS 2. Approval of Minutes Attachment: Draft Minutes of July 7, 2014 3. Discussion on Park Maintenance Standards Attachment: Rick Meyer draft standards 4. Commissioner'Adopt-A-Park' Assignments Review Meyers: Antoine, Highwood, Navarre, Navarre Fire Station Lundblad: Crystal Bay, French Creek, Seven Nations Berg: All city beaches (Warner): Casco Point, Navarre Tower, Bederwood, Crystal Bay Lindahl: Lurton, Chevy Chase, Saga Hill 5. Park Donation Policy (Lindahl) 6. Handicap Portapotties 7. Meeting Schedule 8. Report on Joint Big Island Lake Tour NEW BUSINESS 9. City Beach and Dock Standards Attachments: -Rick Meyer draft standards - Statutes 471.155: Lifeguards 10. Jessica Warner Resignation - Commissioner Recruitment 11. Other ADJOURNMENT Additional Attachments: - List of public access points in Orono - Loftus email re Lurton Park MEMORANDUM To: Park Commission From: Mike Gaffron Date: August 28, 2014 Subject: Park Commission Update At its August 25 work session, the Council briefly reviewed comments and recommendations of the Park Commission brought up at your July meeting. Council indicated the following: 1) The Park Commission membership will remain at a level of seven members as required by City Code. It was noted that while Jessica Warner has resigned from the Commission, two additional candidates have submitted applications to become Park Commission members, and they will be interviewed by the Council on September 22 and potentially appointed that night. 2) Installation of handicapped -accessible porta-potties will be considered for installation at Hackberry and Navarre parks in 2015. This issue will be revisited next year. Cost and actual need are factors to be taken into account. 3) There was not support for increasing the Park Commission meeting schedule to once a month. Additional update items: - At your July meeting the question was asked whether we are required by law to provide a Red Cross certified lifeguard at our beaches. The answer is that we do not have to provide lifeguards at our beaches, but if we choose to, they must be red Cross certified. See the attached statute. - The dock has been re -installed at the Carman/Frederick location. A review of City files indicates that prior to 2006 the house along the west side of the Carman Street lake access corridor used the corridor for its driveway, which was graveled from Frederick Street about halfway down to the lake. When variances were granted to allow major renovation to that house in 2006, the City required a new driveway be constructed directly from Frederick and the old gravel driveway in the access corridor be removed and restored to grass. - In its deliberations for the 2015 budget, Council is considering additional funding for parks and roads. We should know more after the September 22 Council meeting. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, July 7, 2014 7:00 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, and Sarah Lindahl. Representing Staff were Senior Planner Michael Gaffron, Community Development Director Andrew Mack, and Recorder Jackie Young. Council Member Lizz Levang and Mayor Lili Tod McMillan were present. Chair Meyers called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION FOR MAY 5, 2014 Berg moved, Lindahl seconded, to approve the minutes of the Orono Park Commission meeting of May 5, 2014, as submitted. VOTE: Ayes 3, Nays 0. OLD BUSINESS 1. RECAP — MAY 30 PARK TOUR Meyers noted the Park Commission recently toured half of the city parks and that another date will be scheduled in the near future to tour the remaining parks. 2. RECAP — NAVARRE PLAYGROUD PLANTINGS & ENGLUND MEMORIAL Meyers reported the planting at the Navarre Park went well and that a number of volunteers turned out to help. Meyers indicated he has received a number of compliments about how nice the park looks. 3. DISCUSSION ON PARK MAINTENANCE STANDARDS Meyers noted the City's Public Works Director has recently left the City to take a new job and that he would like to speak with the new director once the position is filled before the Park Commission proceeds further with the park maintenance standards. Meyers stated he would like to set reasonable goals that the Public Works Department will be able to meet. Meyers noted other cities' park maintenance standards were included in the packet. Gaffron stated very few cities in the area have a formal park maintenance program. Meyers stated to his knowledge Shorewood is working on a park maintenance program and that should be ready in the near future. 4. COMMISSIONER "ADOPT -A -PARK" ASSIGNMENTS Meyers stated he would like to make sure that each park commissioner is clear on their adopt -a -park assignments. Meyers asked Commissioner Lindahl which parks she is overseeing. Page 1 of 11 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, July 7, 2014 7:00 o'clock p.m. Lindahl stated she does not have any parks assigned to her at this point. Meyers noted Commissioner Berg is overseeing all of the beaches and that Commissioner Warner is overseeing Casco Point Park, Tower Park, Bederwood Park, and Crystal Park. Commissioner Lundblad is sharing oversight of Crystal Park and has also been assigned French Creek Park and Seven Nations Park. Meyers stated he will be overseeing Marie Antoine, Highwood, Navarre Playground, and the future Fire Station Park. Meyers stated Commissioner Lindahl will be assigned Lurton Park, Chevy Chase Park, and Saga Hill Park. Meyers noted those three parks will be on the next park tour. 5. PARK DONATION POLICY DISCUSSION Meyers stated he would like Commissioner Lindahl to be in charge of the park donations. Meyers indicated he would like to leave the donation standards fairly open. 6. CRYSTAL BAY PARK Meyers stated he would like to focus on one park at a time. Meyers noted work for this year on the Navarre Park has been completed and that he would like to turn the Park Commission's attention to Crystal Bay Park. Meyer recommended at this time the major neighborhood playgrounds receive more attention than some of the more natural, passive parks. Meyers noted the City Council will be receiving the notes that were taken by Council Member Levang during the park tour on the items the Park Commission feel should be addressed. NEW BUSINESS CITY DOCKS AT CITY BEACHES AND ACCESSES Meyers stated tonight's meeting is open for public comment on whether the residents would like to see docks at various city beaches and lake access points. Julie Gatehouse, 2443 Carman Street, stated they used to have a little city dock at the end of their street and that the neighbors really enjoyed it. Gatehouse stated last year the dock was taken out and not re -installed this year. Gatehouse indicated she inquired at City Hall on the reason why and was told that the Park Commission had recommended that a number of the docks be removed due to budget and safety concerns. Gatehouse noted this occurred prior to the rainfalls. Gatehouse stated she was also told there would be a meeting tonight and that they would be able to ask questions about why the docks in general have been removed as well as their specific dock. Gatehouse stated the neighbors are wondering whether there is any possibility that the dock could be put back. Gatebouse indicated her family has enjoyed the dock since moving into their house approximately six years ago and that it was one of the deciding factors that led to them purchasing their house. Gatehouse stated she would like to know how the Park Commission came to the decision to remove the dock. Page 2 of 11 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, July 7, 2014 7:00 o'clock p.m. Marls Palmer, 2450 Carman Street, stated they reside on the lagoon and have their own lake access but that they also enjoyed using the dock. Palmer stated in his view removal of the dock is unfortunate for the people who do not live on the lakeshore and that it has always functioned as a day dock only and that no one in the neighborhood has been breaking that rule. Palmer noted the previous homeowner directly to the west of the dock illegally rip -rapped his property and a portion of the city -owned beach, which eliminated the sand beach. Palmer stated he is not sure why that was never addressed or required to be moved. Palmer stated as a lakeshore owner, he is very much in favor of the dock. Greg Reep, 2440 Carman Street, stated given the high water levels this year, it is very difficult for elderly people to get in and out of their boats. Reep indicated he has heard a number of people making arrangements to pick up people at other people's residences with private docks and that the neighbors should not have to do that. Nate Boutang, 2431 Carman Street, stated he would echo Julie Gatehouse's comments and that the dock was only used by the neighbors. Boutang stated it was nice to have access to the bay and that it was also a selling point when he purchased his house. Boutang stated he would like to see the dock installed again this year. Peter Bluth, 2413 Carman Street, stated he lives across from the lake and that he enjoyed using the dock. Bluth indicated the dock also helped bring the neighbors together and that it is unfortunate the dock is not there this year. Bluth noted the beach is not marked and is basically only used by the people on Carman Street. Mark Palmer stated that dock has been a part of the Carman Street neighborhood for decades and that he was very surprised that it went away. Palmer stated he would like his neighbors to have access to the lake since a number of them do not have their own lakeshore. Palmer indicated there is no parking allowed on the street and that it is not well known that there is a beach there. Meyers noted Commissioner Berg is in charge of the City -owned beaches and that he would like to hear her comments on the matter. Berg stated she was not aware there was a beach on Carman Street. Gaffron noted there is a memorandum from former Public Works Director Jesse Struve which states that he made a presentation to the City Council regarding the installation of docks. In 2013, Staff received a number of calls pertaining to the use of docks at beach areas. Per City Code, it is unlawful for any person to dive, jump or fish from docks in beach areas. Gaffron noted the City has never really considered the Cannan Street dock area to be a beach. Gaffron indicated the memorandum also goes on to state that it is unlawful to dock any watercraft at the docks located at beaches. Following the installation of the docks in 2013, Staff received a number of calls pertaining to docks at beach areas and re-evaluated dock placement throughout the City. Gaffron stated based on City Code, the use of docks in swimming beach areas is to stand on only. Many of the docks in Orono were starting to require high annual maintenance. In an effort to reduce long-term Page 3 of 11 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK Monday, July 7, 2014 7:00 o'clock p.m. costs of maintenance or replacement, and because the use of the docks in swimming beach areas has such a narrow use, Staff felt docks should not be installed in swimming beach areas. Gaffron noted former Public Works Director Struve made a recommendation to the City Council this past winter to only install docks at public boat landing areas because the docks serve a purpose and can be easily used by the general public. The City Council agreed with that recommendation. This spring the Public Works Department only installed docks in designated boat landing areas and did not install docks at any beach or fire road access area. Gaffron stated currently the City has four beaches, with three of them being located on Lake Minnetonka and one on Long Lake. At the present time there are three docks installed; one on Stubbs Bay, one at Loma Linda on North Arm, and then a dock located on the other side of North Arm. Gaffron indicated he has no idea why the dock at Carman Street was not installed other than the memorandum that says it is not a boat landing. Gaffron stated two of the city docks are not used for boat launching. Gaffron stated he is not aware of what the rationale was for not installing the dock on Cannan other than what is contained in the memorandum. Meyers asked if the residents use this area as a beach Palmer stated the area was rip -rapped and never removed, which makes it difficult to use as a beach, but that people do swim and wade near the lakeshore. Palmer stated a number of people use it to launch canoes and kayaks. Julie Gatehouse stated her 15 -year-old son has a little Johnny boat and that he would launch it from there Gatehouse stated since it became questionable after the rip -rap was placed there on whether they could use the access, he stopped doing that. In addition, the neighbor to the right has planted grass and maintains it so it looks like his yard, which has made people hesitant to use the access lane. Gatehouse indicated she has read different things that say they are allowed to walk across that piece of grass down to the dock but that she has told her son not to do it since that neighbor does not like people walking on that piece of property. Gatehouse stated now that the dock is gone, it makes it seem like the area is not available to the neighbors at all. Palmer stated it used to be a fire lane road and that the neighbor made it appear as though it is part of his property. Meyers commented there are a number of fire lanes within Orono that are owned by the City and that the Park Commission has discussed those at length in the past. Meyers noted the fire lanes are not always well marked. Meyers stated at this time the Park Commission is attempting to arrive at what defines a beach and what defines a boat landing. Meyers noted there are some people who are not in support of docks at the fire lanes. Meyers stated if it is a swimming area, there can be no boats. Gaffron stated the actual physical docks are only located at places that have physical access for a vehicle to drop a boat in from a trailer. Gaffron noted the Carman Street access is different and is not a real boat launch area. Page 4 of 11 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, July 7, 2014 7:00 o'clock p.m. Neil Bluth stated he would call it an access point and not a boat launch area Berg asked how wide the area is. Gaffron stated the area is 30 feet wide and that it is very clear the area is dedicated to the public. Gaffron stated to his knowledge the house next to this access point was rebuilt approximately ten years ago and that it was made very clear at that time that the owners of that house could not block that access. Gaffron stated in his view the City did not want to have a permanent gravel area there since that would attract members of the public that were not from the neighborhood and that it was intended to be a neighborhood access point only. Gaffron indicated he does not have information at this point on whether the City allowed that area to be turned into grass or rip -rapped. Gaffron stated the question is how the neighborhood would like it marked. Gaffron stated if it is marked as a public access point, it is likely members of the general public will use it, which would create other issues. Gaffron stated this general issue has been discussed at the city level for a number of years. Meyers commented it sounds like the residents would like the dock installed to launch small boats or kayaks. Meyers noted at this time the Park Commission is just starting to identify what use should be allowed at each beach or access point. Meyers noted if it is designated for boats, swimming would not be allowed. Julie Gatehouse stated they do not utilize it as a beach. Meyers asked if this was a floating dock. Palmer indicated it was not but that it was always higher than the other docks on the lagoon. Palmer stated it is a nice place for people who do not have lake access to bring their boat to. Meyers asked if the area is ever congested on the weekends. Palmer indicated it is not. Meyers asked if people leave their boats there overnight Julie Gatehouse stated the boats are never left there overnight or longer than an hour or two Gaffron stated per City Code, all docks owned or maintained by the City shall be subject to the following regulations: One, it is unlawful for any person to dive, jump or fish from or otherwise use a city dock or the adjacent area in a manner so as to disturb or endanger any other person. Two, it is unlawful to dock any watercraft except for the temporary purpose of boarding or discharging passengers, and then not in any dock within a swimming beach. Three, it is unlawful to use a city dock or the surrounding area for any purpose between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and sunrise the next morning. Four, it is unlawful to deposit or leave any paper, can, bottle, glass or other refuse on or near a city dock except in approved containers placed by the City for such purpose. Gaffron asked if there has ever been a garbage can down there. Page 5 of 11 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, July 7, 2014 7:00 o'clock p.m. Julie Gatehouse indicated there has not been a garbage can located there. Gatehouse stated they would like to keep the dock nice and that she initially thought the City was making repairs on the dock when it was not installed this spring. Palmer stated the previous adjoining homeowner piled rip -rap two to three feet high and covered it with his harvested milfoil to prevent people from walking out on the dock. Palmer indicated approximately a dozen residents use it and that they keep the area very neat and clean. Julie Gatehouse indicated that neighbor maintains the grass meticulously and that he makes it very clear that he is not happy that anyone is walking down there. Palmer indicated that neighbor also got in trouble with the City by parking his boat lift in front of that spot so it could not be accessed by a snowmobile or ATV. Ultimately the police or City told him he had to move it or allow people to walk on his property to go around it. Meyers stated if someone is doing something like that, he would suggest taking some pictures of it and submitting those to the City so Staff can take appropriate action. Meyers stated the Park Commission needs to develop a uniform policy and definitions for the lake access points and that they will need to continue this discussion. Meyers stated it is likely the Carman Street residents will not get a dock this year, especially given the high water levels. Meyers noted he also is not aware of what the condition of the docks the City has in storage is either. Julie Gatehouse indicated the dock was not in bad shape but that it needed some upgrades. Gatehouse stated she did buy some caps to put on the dock posts but that the neighbor tools them off. Meyers stated the City also has some responsibility for keeping the docks in good condition. Meyers stated the City will need to determine if there should be a dock at this location; and if the City Council determines there should be a dock here, it would be nice to have a dock on barrels so there is never an issue with high or low water levels. Palmer stated it was a very small dock on wheels, which made it easy to install, and that a dock on barrels would be more time consuming to install. Neil Bluth commented that perhaps the residents could do some fundraising. Nate Boutang stated they would also be happy to maintain it and install it. Gaffron asked if the dock was stored on the land next to the water. Palmer indicated it was. Lindahl stated it sounds like that area needs to be defined, and that without a clear definition, the neighbors are starting to move in on the fire lane. Lindahl stated the residents need a clear understanding on how the property can be used. Meyers stated the Park Commission also discussed putting some monuments at various city -owned parks and beaches to identify the access points and that the Park Commission will be touring this area on their Page 6 of 11 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMIS; Monday, July 7, 2014 7:00 o'clock p.m. next park tour. Meyers stated the Park Commission will be making a recommendation to the City Council and that the City Council has the final say on what will be done. Meyers indicated Staff can put the information on the park tour on the City's website and that he would invite the neighbors to come down to the access point so they can point things out and discuss things with the Park Commission. Meyers stated the Park Commission will be discussing this issue further and will be making a recommendation to the City Council but that it is unlikely there will be a dock at this location this year. Meyers stated the minutes and other information will be available on the City's website. Meyers thanked the residents for their input. Berg stated she was not aware that city docks were something that the Park Commission should be looking at. Berg stated when she looked at this area, she thought the access lane was part of the neighbor's yard. Gaffron stated there are a number of different characteristics to each of the fire lanes and that some of them are used year-round and that others are not very accessible. Gaffron indicated the Comprehensive Plan does identify the fire lanes, their locations, and how they are to be used. Gaffron stated approximately ten years ago the Park Commission had a number of lengthy discussions about marking the various accesses and a number of issues were raised. Gaffron stated there are a number of these fire lanes where the general public does not know they exist and they are used primarily by the residents of the neighborhood, which may change if they are better marked. Berg stated she would not define this area as a beach/swimming area. Berg stated a one -size fits all definition is also not the way to go and that different categories will need to be determined. Gaffron stated to some extent those categories already exist in the Comprehensive Plan. Meyers stated general categories can mean different things to different people and that there needs to be a clear definition of what they are and what uses are allowed. Meyers indicated he would not be uncomfortable placing a dock at this area but that the neighbors need to know exactly what is and is not allowed. Mayor McMillan stated the City should also compile a list of the docks in the City Gaffron indicated he will put together a list prior to the next park tour. Berg stated one issue is that the neighbors like to expand their properties into the fire lanes, which will need to be addressed at some point. Meyers asked if there is a new law that says if an access point is not being used as it is intended whether the City can lose that access point. Gaffron stated there are 41 access points in the City and that they have gone through various dedication processes to allow them to come into being. Gaffron indicated the majority of them were dedicated as part of a past plat process. Gaffron noted the City did lose one access off of North Shore Drive because the town board back in the early 1900s did not keep good enough records. Gaffron indicated there are a Page 7 of 11 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, July 7, 2014 7:00 o'clock p.m. few others that are at risk of being lost but that the vast majority have been dedicated to the public via plat. Meyers asked if the City could get rid of any access points if they wanted to. Gaffron stated in 1934, a judge ruled that these lake access points for the general public should not be vacated. Based on that case, it has been the City's policy for the past 10 to 15 years when dealing with these types of public accesses that they are not vacated. Meyers asked if the City is not maintaining them as an access, whether the City abdicating their rights over them. Gaffron indicated he is not sure what the future holds and that the fire lanes vary considerably in character. Gaffron stated the City has an access lane that is in between two homes that are approximately 20 feet apart, which became a big issue a few years ago. The vast majority of the fire lanes are not at risk and that it would be difficult for the City to justify getting rid of them since the City does not know what the future holds. 8. HANDICAP PORTA-POTTIES Meyers stated there used to be a handicap porta-potty at the Navarre playground which is no longer there and that he is wondering why that is. Gaffron stated according to the Public Works Department, the handicap porta-potties are an extra $100 a month. Meyers stated the handicap porta-potties might be necessary at some of the more heavily used parks and that he was asked whether a handicap porta-potty could be located at the Navarre Park. Meyers noted people change diapers on the picnic tables and that he would rather see them do that in a porta-potty if there is enough room. Berg commented it is a tough one to go against since the emphasis nowadays is on having things for handicap people. Berg stated the City also needs to take into account the American Disability Act but that the City needs to take a look at the use and size of the parks. Lindahl stated she would like to see them placed only at the higher used parks and beaches. Meyers stated he would also like to see every porta-potty surrounded by a wood enclosure. Meyers moved to recommend the City Council consider putting handicap porta-potties at the more heavily used parks, including Hackberry, Navarre Park, Crystal Bay Park. Gaffron asked if he would also like to include Bederwood. Meyers amended his motion, Berg seconded, to recommend the City Council consider putting handicap porta-potties at the more heavily used parks, including Hackberry, Navarre Park, Crystal Bay Park and Bederwood. VOTE: Ayes 3, Nays 0. Page 8 of 11 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK Monday, July 7, 2014 7:00 o'clock p.m. 9. MONTHLY MEETINGS Meyers stated the City has not had any success at recruiting additional members to the Park Commission and that he would propose setting the number at five with any new applicants being appointed as alternates. Berg moved, Meyers seconded, to set the number of positions on the Park Commission at five and that any new applicants would be alternates. VOTE: Ayes 3, Nays 0. Meyers stated in his view having meetings every other month is too long and that he would like to see it occur on a monthly basis until more of the loose ends are taken care of. Berg stated given the fact that there has not been a Park Commission for a few years as well as the number of items the Park Commission is currently looking at, it would be better to meet once a month. Berg stated it is easier to cancel a meeting and that it can always be changed once these items are dealt with. Lindahl asked if the meetings would be in addition to the tours and other events Meyers stated he is only aware of the upcoming park tour and that he does not envision a lot of extra meetings. Meyers noted the boat landings will also need to be included in the park tour. Lindahl indicated she would be willing to try it. Lindahl stated she did accept the position on the Park Commission knowing that it would only be meeting every other month. Lindahl stated she has the sense that there is a lot of history that has been forgotten. Berg stated reviewing the Comprehensive Plan would be helpful in gaining a better understanding of the parks. Lindahl moved, Meyers seconded, to hold a Park Commission meeting every month starting in August. Gaffron noted a new public works director has not yet been hired and that the intent of the City Council was for Staff and the public works director to share work on the Park Commission. Gaffron stated it is also a busy time for the Planning Commission and that he may not have the time available to deal with another meeting every month. Gaffron noted it takes him approximately four to six hours to compile the packet for the Park Commission. Berg asked if the park commissioners could help compile the packets. Gaffron stated the items that Staff needs to do is gathering the information together from the various sources and proofreading the minutes. Gaffron stated he is not sure the City has the Staff time to devote to a monthly meeting. Page 9 of 11 MINUTES OF THE ORONOPARK Monday, July 7, 2014 7:00 o'clock p.m. Mack stated he would concur with Mr. Gaffron's comments and that the Park Commission is not typically under the Planning Department but is usually under the auspices of Public Works, which would be the right place for Staff support. Mack stated he would look at the rip -rap on Carman that was discussed earlier, and if work was done that was not authorized by the City, Staff will look into that. Meyers stated he likes the idea of having someone from the Public Works Department be associated with the Park Commission and attend the meetings. Meyers stated he would like to vote on the motion and let the City Council decide. Lindahl stated she is hesitant to approve the motion since it involves more work for Staff. Meyers stated it might perhaps be better to have the input of the full Park Commission and that perhaps they should defer action on it until later. The above motion was withdrawn. Lindahl asked if it would be better to have a special meeting once in a while rather than a regular monthly meeting. Meyers stated the City Council could call a special meeting of the Park Commission if necessary. Meyers stated he would also encourage the Park Commission to review the Comprehensive Plan, which is available on the City's website as well as previous park minutes. McMillan stated the Park Commission could also set up a work session to work on things like the park maintenance standards. Berg asked why the meetings are at 7:00. McMillan stated the meetings could be scheduled earlier if the Park Commission chooses. Gaffron indicated he could be available as early as 5:00. Berg stated she would recommend moving the Park Commission meeting time up. McMillan suggested asking the rest of the Park Commission for their input prior to a decision being made. 10. OTHER Gaffron noted City Code says that the Park Commission is to be composed of seven members who serve staggered three year terms. The director of public services and one council member shall be members of the Commission ex officio and without vote and are in addition to the seven member Commission. Gaffron stated the Park Commission can make the recommendation to the City Council to reduce it to five members but that it technically would require a code change. Page 10 of 11 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, July 7, 2014 7:00 o'clock p.m. Meyers stated it will be up to the City Council to provide direction. Mack stated based on his experience, holding public meetings or neighborhood meetings are very effective to gain people's thoughts on possible improvements. Meyers stated if the Park Commission is going to discuss one of the neighborhood parks, the City can notify the local residents. ADOURNMENT Berg moved, Meyers seconded, to adjourn the Orono Park Commission meeting at 8:24 p.m. VOTE: Ayes 3, Nays 0. Rick Meyers, Chair Page 11 of 11 Saturday, August 2, 2014 Orono Park Maintenanoe Standards There are many'types of parks in Orono. Some are active (Antoine, Boderwood, Crystal Bay, Haokberry, and Navarre), some passive (Livingston Tower, Highwood, Seven Nations, Chevy Chase, F=rench Creek Preserve, Saga Hill, and Lurton), and some natural (Cygnet, Casco Point, Lowry Woods, and Pleasant View). Active parks should be mowed once a week, Atter should be picked up weekly, as well as branches that may have fallen due to wind or storms, Trees and shrubbery should be trimmed as necessary to maintain health and promote proper grass growth, Playground equipment should be checked at least twice a season for cleanliness and upkeep. Wood chips and stones in play areas should be kept free of weeds and debris, and should be swept off adjoining sidewalk areas. Woad control should be applied to all grassy areas as needed. Baseball diamonds should be kept weed free and graded as necessary. Every active park should have garbage cans, as well as pionio tables, benches, and bike racks. Garbage cans must be emptied on a weekly basis, Parking areas should be weed free and properly graded. All parks should have uniform signage regarding park rules and regulations and the hours of use. Passive parks, such as Saga HAI, Highwood, and French Creek Preserve, have required minimal degrees of upkeep, due to limited use patterns. Trees should be maintained and grass should be mowed and litter removed as needed. Livingston Tower and Chevy Chase are small pocket parks requiring regular dawn mowing and upkeep. Lurton Park, and Seven Nations should have their trails and picnic areas mowed and kept dean on a weekly basis to encourage more use. The natural areas, Cygnet, Casco Point, Lowry Woods, and Pleasant View, require no regularly scheduled maintenance. Park Commissioners will check their designated parks monthly, and notify the park Chair who will then notify the Public Works Director to remedy any problems found. Saturday, August 2, 2014 Orono Swim Beach Standards Orono has several small neighborhood swim beaches on lake Minnetonka. Lydiard, Carmen's, Casoo, and Sandy Beach are located on old fire lanes within the city, as well as one large public beach on Long Lake, Summit Beach. Each beach presents Its own problems and opportunities. The Idea of a swim beach Is for non -riparian home owners to have a place to enjoy the lake for swimming, wading, or just to take In the views, Several beaches had docks, which have since been removed. Docks were removed because they were confilcolrtg with the beaches' intended uses as mentioned. One dock soil remains on Stubbs Bay, but this area has not been defined as a swim beach. it Is primarily used for fishing and lake viewing. Beach areas should not allow motorized watercraft or fishing, Multiple use situations create unnecessary discord and are difooult to regulate, The Park Commission's recommendation is that all beaches be provided a picnic table, a permanent bench, and a bike rack, but no dock. Signs should be placed dearly stating that no motorized watercraft are allowed in the beach area. Swim buoys should be placed In front of each beach area to advise boaters to stay dear. Beach areas should all have uniform signage staling acceptable uses and hours of operation. Beach areas should be mowed and cleaned up at least once a week during the summer season. Lake weeds should be removed as necessary, and sand replenished when advisable. Garbage cans are recommended for Summit Beach only as it is the one large public beach. Historically the email neighborhood beaches have been kept clean by the users on their own. These rules will apply to all beaches under city control Park Commissloners will check their designated swim beaches monthly, and notify the park Chair who will then notify the Public Works Director to remedy any problems found. Bill Text: NIN SF2245 1 2013-2014 1 88th Legislature I Engrossed I LegiScan Bill Text: MN SF2245 ! 2013-2014 1 88th Legislature I Engrossed Minnesota Senate Bill 2245 (In Recess) Bill Title: Tony Caine's Law Status: (Passed) 2014-04-30 - Secretary of State Chapter 179 04/30/14 [SF2245 Detail] Download: Minnesota-2013-SF2245-Engrossed. html 1.1 A bill for an act 1.2 relating to public beaches; requiring lifeguards at public beaches to have certain 1.3 minimum training;proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 1.4 471. 1.5 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 1.6 Section 1. [A7I_I55,1 PUBLIC BEACHES; LIFEG[JARDS. 1.7 Subdivision 1. Definitions. For the purposes of this section: 1.8 q 1„2,"oolitical subdivision” means a statutory or home rule charter city„ coup -town, 1 • 9 oar other. political subdivision, and 1.10 f 21Iublic swimaning betrch" mewls aai, area abutting_ a had of water,. other than 1.11 a swimming poolgovernedby section 144.1222 owned oro erated by theMlitioal 1.12 subdivision whether directly or wider agreement with another public or private entity, 1.19 intended to be open to the ublic for swimmillg, 1.14 Snbd. 2, Life u� g ds. If a political subdivision roovides for lifeguat�ds.to beiresent 1.15 at a public swimming beach,each lifeguard must be cea-tifed in first aid and adult child 1.16 and infant cardiopuhnonary resuscitation, have American Red Cross life yuard certification 1.17 or the e uivalent_ and be responsible for the supervision anll safety ofpersons af. t9�e pu Aic 1.18 swinuningheach vyhile on duty. 1.19 Soto. 3. Citation. This section may be cited as "Tony Caine's Law.", 1.20 EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective January 1, 2015. CMP Part 4A. Transportation Plan roads to serve new residential developments of 3 or more units; by limiting the number of curb cuts per residence; by prohibiting direct access to principal arterials; and by a number of other regulations involving the location, type and number of access points to the arterial roadway system. It is the City's policy that new direct access to arterials is to be minimized to the greatest extent possible. However, many of southern Orono's arterials near the Lake Minnetonka shoreline have historically served a dual function as both arterials and as local/collector streets, due to geographic and topographic limitations. Minimization or consolidation of existing driveway and local street access points along these unique roadways is a complex matter which will often require the cooperation of multiple property owners. The City will encourage the use of shared driveways along existing developed arterials wherever feasible. Further, the City will continue to investigate the feasibility of closing existing direct local street access points to principal and minor arterials where suitable alternative access points maybe established. LAKE ACCESS PRESERVATION AND MANAGEMENT With more than 40 miles of Lake Minnetonka shoreline and nearly 5 miles of additional lake shorelines, Orono's lakes provide a significant recreational resource for all Orono residents, not just for those who own property abutting the lakes. This value was long ago realized by the City fathers, as well as by early land developers. In order to provide lake access for the general public, as well as to provide for fire department access to the lake as a water source, a number of lake access corridors were created as the shoreland developed. These typically are platted, dedicated right-of-ways leading from the local road system to the shoreline, and are commonly from 16' to 66' in width. The historic level of use of these right-of-ways (sometimes referred to as "fire lanes" or "lake access roads") ranges from minimal to year-round. Certain of these corridors have been maintained by the City for local swimming beaches or as winter snowmobile and ice -fishing accesses. Certain accesses are provided with docks for fishing, and some have ramp areas suitable for launching a small boat. However; most do not have designated parking available, and are primarily intended to serve the neighborhood rather than the general public. A number of these access corridors have steep topography and experience a relatively low level of usage. The value of these corridors to the general public both now and in the future is too great to be measured. While an access corridor or fire lane may appear to an adjacent landowner as abandoned, there may well be a future public need for that corridor that may not be obvious today. The Minnesota Supreme Court in 1944 (Application of Baldwin, et al No. 33721 for vacation of a platted dedicated lake access road) upheld the value of retaining the public's right to access the lake. In an excerpt from the findings of the Court: City of Orono Community Management Plan 2008-2030 Page 4A-31 CMP Part 4A. Transportation Plan This court requires no proof thatLake Minnetonka is a priceless heritage of the people of Minnesota, to bepreserved and passed onto posterity. Judicial notice will be taken of the fact that it is one of the most precious jewels in the string of Ten Thousand Lakes of which Minnesota is so justly proud... Because of its wide expanse and proximity to our metropolitan areas, it is much frequented and used for boating, fishing, picnicking and bathing - perhaps more than any other lake in the state. Its shore line of nearly 100 miles is dotted with permanent homes and summer cottages, not only at its waters edge, but extendingfar back from the shore. But the use of the lake is not confined to dwellers on its shore or nearby. During the summer season especially, itis the mecca for thousands upon thousands of urbanites, not so fortunate as topossess a lake home, who -young and old alike -seep its shores and watersfor diverse recreational purposes. To those who do not indulge inactive recreation, it affords the opportunity ofcommuning with natureatitsbest With the increase in thepermanent lakepopulation, however, the "tent oflakeshore available to the public generally and the means of public access to the lake have diminished and therefore become increasingly valuable from year to year... we must not forget that the public includes persons other than those in the immediate vicinity. The general public has a true concern in the recreational facilities offered by the lakes which nature has so freely given us in this state. Theirgenerous sharing by all will make for a healthier and happierpeople. The many not fortunate enough to be able to acquire the advantages of ownership of lake shoveproperties should not be deprived of these benefits. This we would do if we permitted streets leading to the lakeshore to be vacated... The loss to the public of 150 feet of shoreline out of a total of approximately 100 miles may to the Baldwins seem inconsequential or even infinitesimal and nothing to be disturbed about But, ofthis 100 miles ofprecious shoreline, only a small fraction has been reserved for the public, and if the courts should create a precedent by permitting a single inroad, however small, upon the public's share of the shoreline, other inroads will inevitably follow, until the aggregate becomes areal threat to the public's free access to the lake. To avoid any possibility of such a result, the courts should with equal vigor repulse the first, the second, and every other assault upon the publicdomain. " Less than l % of Orono's lake shoreline has been dedicated as public access corridors. Nearly all the rest is privately owned, and not available to the public for lake access purposes, save for the DNR Maxwell Bay Access, Hennepin County's North Arm Access and the City's Summit Park on Long Lake. Hennepin County's Noerenberg Gardens Memorial Park, while abutting Lake Minnetonka, has deed restrictions that disallow use for docking or launching boats. With shoreland abutting a dozen separate bays in Lake Minnetonka, Orono has a commitment to maintaining access via the dedicated access corridors. Orono's lake accesses are enumerated in Table 4A-8. Lake Access Policies It is the City's intent to permanently retain for public use all existing lake access corridors and fire lanes, regardless of the current level of use or maintenance. To this end, the City will follow these policies: 1. Requests for vacation of dedicated lake access right-of-ways will be denied in all cases except where equal or better lake access will be granted nearby in return. 2. The City will identify and take necessary action to preserve the public's right to use of any such accesses which exist but which may not have been formally dedicated. 3. The City will endeavor to work with property owners adjacent to lake access corridors to ensure that both the rights of the public and the rights of the private landowner are upheld. City of Orono Community Management Plan 2008-2030 Page 4A-32 Table 4A-8: City_ of Orono Lance Ndinnetolika Aecess Points - I)esiguatefi tJ5e olid Cute@lit Status IU Access Name Phd Between Designated UPDATED 4/2/01 (q5,7) UPDATED 5/21/08 # or Street Name Section I Address #s Use Notes Brown's Bay (Lower Lake) I End of Orono Lane 2-S 1355/13 R5 Not open for public use; plat map indicates questionable abutment of shoreline - Shoreline Urive - "Molly's 2-S Across froin Store Fishing Hennepin County provides an informal parking area and trashcans at this wide 10 Croner" (Oudot A, Dragonfly 5-N 1410 Shoreline Winter Only spot along Shoreline Drive; popular fishing spot; winter vehicular access feasible I I Hill) 5-N 3580/3640 Fishing Dock 33' platted road ("Oak Street" in plat of "Bay View Park") Also used for winter Smith Bay (Lower Lake) 2 Shoreline Drive a[ Spates 10-5 Ail to 1955 Winter OnlyGated in smmneq seasonal Long Lake Fire Dept. boat dockage established here Bayside Rd 5-N Across from NA Two 60' platted roads and one 65' platted road to the Lake (Park, Spring, and in 2008; winter vehicular access allowed. 3 North Shore Drive at Shoreline 10-5 Maple Streets in plat of Bay View Park; and Theresa St. in plat of 0ttoville on Tracts S&U, RLS 192; these tracts are on the steep slope adjacent to Shoreline Drive 3750 Bayside Lake Mhmelmdca . These potential access points are not opened for public Ilse. Drive; due to slo a and safe!y issues this access point is not open for public use Crystal Bay - North Shore Drive 9-S 2605/2655 No longer a public access "Town Road" Lake Minnetonka) (See street file 3775 Bayside). Not opened for public rise. 1.4 Westlake Street 4 North Shore Drive at Baldur 8-S 3498/3510 Winter Only 30' wide platted road right-of-way Park Lane Park Road 607/649 Fishing Dock 60' wide platted road, paved to shoreline - usable for boat launch but there is no - North Shore Drive east of 17-N 3685/3705 parking available 33' wide eastward extension of North Shore Drive (Hennepin County Jurisdiction) Oak Street Shadywood Road Adj to 4119 30' wide platted road, not developed, steep slopes and ravine limit use 17 5 Shadywood Road at Sunset Dr 17-N 1998/2000 NW end of platted developed road as it extends to shoreline ' 15.2' wide platted alley - closely abutting homes on either side 6 Crystal Bay Road (West end) 17-S Adj to 2264 66' wide platted road extending to lakeshore; City also owns 4 adjacent tiny Oak Place (Platted road in plat 8-S 3768/3818 Shadywood 40' wide platted undeveloped road extending from North Shore Drive across lakeshore parcels to the east for an additional 200' of shoreline, over which a of"Crystal Bay View") North Shore Dr platted Cherry Ave to shoreline; mostly wetland or under water number of inland private parcels claim deeded access rights for "boating and Sandy Beach (Extension of 8-S 3898/3908 Swimming 6)' wide platted roadway used for City beach bathing"... stems currently under discussion 7 Crystal Bay Road (Relocated 17-S 3405/3415 20'relocated alley from Railroad property to shoreline; potential lake access frau Grant Street extension of Buyview Place in 13 1(1 Spruce/ 50' wide platted road, undeveloped - railway corridor. The only known documentation is Doc. 9507616 deed filed plat of"Wallace's Addition...") 1330Cho,,PI Nov. 10, 1908 from Wallace at at to Priebe which states that the 20' strip is Spruce Place 8-S 1250/1260 40' wide (remaining atter partial vacation) platted roadway, undeveloped "heretofore taken for street purposes" and notes that the platted alley between Loma Linda Avenue 8-N 1098/1130 Fishing Dock 40' wide platted road; also usefi l for vehicular access Lots 18 and 19 was vacated by ire District Court. 8 Crystal Bay Road (Platted 17-S 3339/3345 25' wide platted roadway; contains municipal sewer lines, potential access from extension of Hillside Place) neighborhood and Railroad/Trail corridor to lakeshore Maxwell Bay 9 Gibba Landing- Fox St. 4-S Adj to 3125 Pedestrian Tax records show access as Outlet A, owned by owner of 3125, City has year-round, easement over Outlet, City maintains access vehicles winter only Stubbs Bay 10 Eastlake Street 5-N 3424/3465 Winter Only 30' platted road gated March I - Dec. l I I Bayside Rd. at Stubbs Bay Rd, 5-N 3580/3640 Fishing Dock 33' platted road ("Oak Street" in plat of "Bay View Park") Also used for winter access by snowmobiles off Luce Line 12 Bayside Rd 5-N Across from NA Two 60' platted roads and one 65' platted road to the Lake (Park, Spring, and 3640, 3700, Maple Streets in plat of Bay View Park; and Theresa St. in plat of 0ttoville on 3750 Bayside Lake Mhmelmdca . These potential access points are not opened for public Ilse. 13 Bayside Rd. 5-N West side of NA 30' realigned platted road (Realigned "Lake Street" in the plat of Oanville on 3775 Bayside Lake Minnetonka) (See street file 3775 Bayside). Not opened for public rise. 1.4 Westlake Street 5-N 372/389 30' platted road right-of-way extending to lakeshore; walking access only. North Arm Bay 15 Park Lane 6-S 607/649 Fishing Dock 60' wide platted road, paved to shoreline - usable for boat launch but there is no parking available 16 Oak Street 6-S Adj to 4119 30' wide platted road, not developed, steep slopes and ravine limit use 17 Baldur Park Road 8-S Across from NW end of platted developed road as it extends to shoreline ' 1384/1392 19 Oak Place (Platted road in plat 8-S 3768/3818 40' wide platted undeveloped road extending from North Shore Drive across of"Crystal Bay View") North Shore Dr platted Cherry Ave to shoreline; mostly wetland or under water 19 Sandy Beach (Extension of 8-S 3898/3908 Swimming 6)' wide platted roadway used for City beach Maple Place) Cherry Ave Beach 20 Grant Street 8-S 13 1(1 Spruce/ 50' wide platted road, undeveloped - 1330Cho,,PI 21 Spruce Place 8-S 1250/1260 40' wide (remaining atter partial vacation) platted roadway, undeveloped 22 Loma Linda Avenue 8-N 1098/1130 Fishing Dock 40' wide platted road; also usefi l for vehicular access Forest Lake 23 Forest Lake Landing 7-N 4415/4440 60' wide platted road right-of-way , access not developed, walking use only 24 Elmwood Avenue 7-N South of 1199 20' wide platted road/alley undeveloped right-of-way leading to shoreline 25 "Sunn ik Avenue" (Extension 7-S 1067/1101 50' wide platted road undeveloped right of --way to shoreline of Elmwood Avenue) Casco Pt Rd south side of plat of "Kaster Cove" - undeveloped, walking access only 26 "Buff Street" 7-S West side of 50' wide platted road right-of-way to shoreline, not developed 1453 Park Dr West Arm Bay 27 North Shore Drive west end 7-S "4795" 66' wide platted mad right-of-way extending to shoreline, used as a City 33' platted right-of-way corridor extension of Co. Rd. 19 plus tax -forfeited Lot (adjacent to Orono/M'hista Rd Shoreline swinuning beach _ 10, Block 6, "Bergquist and W ickland's Park..,'; undeveloped corridor primarily A border) 23-N 110 for drainage purposes due to very steep slopes 28 North Shore Drive at "Adams 7-S 4731/4745 40' platted road right-of-way extension in plat of"Beigqulst and W ickland's Street" Extension Park..." undeveloped, very steep, used for drainage 29 Rest Point Lane 7-S 1340/1345 33' platted.right-of-way corridor, pavement does not extend to lake 30 Rest Point Road 7-S 1405/1410 16platted road right-of-way widens to about 40' at shoreline, paved but no boat D "Bay Place" 23-N 210/260 launching availuble 31 Orchard Beach Place 7-S West of 1530 50' platted road right-of-way extends to shoreline; tree growth and topography limits vehicular access 32 Highwood Lane Extension 7-S 4156/4167 20' platted alley right-of-way to shoreline; steep slope to shoreline, undeveloped Highwood Rd Island Park 2"d Addition 33 Highwood Road Alley 7-S 4051/4075 20' platted alley right-of-way to shoreline, not developed 34 Corral Road Extension 17-N 1785/1825 20' platted alley mainly for drainage but also walking access if "Meadow Lane Alley" 23-S Concordia 16' platted alley between Lots 5 and 6, Morse Island Park - drivable for 35 Pagemess Point Accretions 18-N Aoross from Accretions to the 40' originally platted road In the plat of"Eagerness' ; title I "Pleasant View Street" 22-S 1965/1985 registrations by most abutting owners have resulted in dedicated right-of-way no Pagerness Pt Rd longer abutting shoreline; it appears drat there is no public access remaining Spring Park Bay Point Beath 20-5 287112879 Swimming 60' wide platted road ("Carman St") used as a City swimming beach Casco Pt Rd Beach 437Cp�s-c. Circle 20-5 3195/3205 60' wide platted road right-of-way to shoreline at the south side of Casco Circle - undevoloped Carmmts Bay 38 "ivy Lane" (Ivy Place) 20-S 3486/3508 60' wide platted road right-of-way extending to shoreline east of Ivy Place - steep, used for drainage 39 "Spring Slreel" 20-S 2600/26/8 40' wide platted road right-of-way from Casco Point Road to shoreline along Casco Pt Rd south side of plat of "Kaster Cove" - undeveloped, walking access only 40 C'armau Street 20-S 2490 Carman/ 30' wide platted road right-of-way extending to shoreline, fishing dock 3555 Frederick 41 Lydiard Beach 20-S End of Lydiard Swimming 66' wide platted mad right-of-way extending to shoreline, used as a City Rd Beach swinuning beach _ Big Island A N. End of"Lawn Avenue" 23-N 110 33' wide platted roadway adjacent to Lot 46, Morse Island Park B E. end of "Tooisit Avenue" 23-N 110/120 33' wide platted roadway adjacent to Lot 45, Morse Island Park - slopo makes use difficult C Unnamed Street 23-N 120/140 90' wide platted roadway between Lots 38 and 39, Morse Island Park - City has established drivable gravel road for emergency & service vehicle access D "Bay Place" 23-N 210/260 50'+1- wide platted roadway between Lots 21 and 54, Morse Island Park E "Meadow Lane East Extended" 23-S 280/290 20' wide platted roadway between Lots 59 and 60, Morse Island Park- steep sloe makes use difficult F "Meta -Comet Avenue South" 23-S 340 33' wide platted roadway between Lot F Morse Island Park and Lot 3, Morse Island Park 2"d Addition G "Massasolt Avenue West End" 23-S 440/450 33' wide platted roadway between Lot 1, Morse Island Park and Lot 1, Scrivers subdivision of Lot E, Morse Island Park- steep slope if "Meadow Lane Alley" 23-S 450/460 16' platted alley between Lots 5 and 6, Morse Island Park - drivable for emergency and service vehicles I "Pleasant View Street" 22-S 570/600 30' platted roadway between Lot 9, Pleasant View Lake Minnetonka and Lot 3, Island Pointe - CITY OF ORONO StieelAddress; Mailing Address: Telephone (952) 244-4600 2750 Kelley Parkway P.O. Box 66 Fax (952) 249-4616 Orono, MN 55356 Crystal Bay, MN 55323 www.c;_orono.mn.us TO: Mr. Bill Lurton and Mr. Van Erickson FROM: Jessica Loftus, City Administrator DATE: August 18, 2014 RE: Lurton Park Pursuant to your request, an outline for future maintenance and improvements at Lurton Park is provided below to set forth clear expectations going forward. This outline is a draft and I'm happy to amend it as you deem appropriate. Maintenance 1. Mowing The City hires a contractor to provide mowing services for its parks and we recently had a discussion with Troy (Meyers Outdoor Services of Delano, 612-916-5881) stating the following is expected at Lurton Park on a bi-weekly schedule: • Mow a 5 foot wide path from the parking lot to both picnic tables and from the picnic tables to the path in the woods. • Mow and trim around the entrance sign, the wooden posts surrounding the parking lot and the picnic tables. • Mr. Erickson also made the useful suggestion to meet with the mowing contractor once the new Public Works Supervisor (replacing Don Debaere) is on board. This would give all parties a chance to review and/or confirm the mowing expectations. I recommend this meeting be scheduled in the next few weeks. 2. Native Planting Prairie Restoration (contact is John Condon, 952-955-3400) completed the burns and buckthorn removal in 2012 and seeded the site in 2013. They are currently in a contract for a `maintenance program' through 2014 which includes the native plantings and treating the buckthorn stumps. Future Improvements A number of improvements have been discussed for the park and they should be prioritized and assigned an implementation date. 1. A flower bed is to be placed around entrance sign. A rock border needs to be installed by the Orono Public Works this fall upon receiving direction from the Lurton family. The plantings by the Lurton family will be done as they see fit. Another alternative would be to have Prairie Restoration design a plan that includes select native plantings to be interspersed amongst boulders around the sign, setting off the sign with a natural look that will require less maintenance than annual flowers. 2, We have installed the two park benches in the woods along the trail. If you would like them moved to a preferred/different location please let us know. 3. Have the parking lot paved as soon as possible because the appearance of the gravel lot is not meeting the donor's expectations. The Orono Public Works Department will need to schedule this work for fall 2014. The estimated cost is $6,000. 4. Mulch for the trails in the woods will need to be added every other year due to decomposition. 5. Concrete pads underneath the picnic tables might make them more appealing and less maintenance. 6. Provide screening from the roads. Mayor McMillan suggested we could plant a few clumps of oak trees that would survive future prairie burns and be a more natural selection. Lurton Fund Update • In 2006 a transfer from the State of Minnesota revenues to the Big Island Fund resulted in a fund balance of $103,284 for maintenance of the park. • By 2010 the interest earnings increased the fund balance to $130,573. • 2011 had the following expenditures: o Bench and table $2,605 o Sign $1,000 o Erosion control, soil, and mist for parking lot installation by public works $640 • In 2012 the City paid Prairie Restoration $40,291 for the prairie burn, reseeding native plantings and buckthorn removal. This brought the funds balance down to $88,654. • 2.0.13 expenditures included $3,602 to Prairie Restoration for maintenance of the native plants and $1,009 to Hennepin County to spread wood chips on the trails. The year end fund balance was $84,484. • Expenditures to date in 2014 have been just over $800 to Prairie Restoration, bringing the current fund balance to approximately $83,650.