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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-02-2015 Park Commission PacketAGENDA CITY OF ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday, March 2,2015; 7:00 PM Orono Council Chambers, 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356 952-249-4600 / www.ci.orono.mn.us Audience Members: Please sign in for the public record if you wish to address the Park Commission. The sign in sheet is in the lobby. The Park Commission is an advisory body to the City Council. If action is taken on any items on this agenda, they will be scheduled for an upcoming City Council meeting. CALL TO ORDER — Chair Rick Meyer APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1. Approval of January 5, 2015 Park Commission Meeting Attachment 1 - January 5, 2015 Park Commission Meeting Minutes 2. Approval of February 20, 2015 Park Commission Work Session Attachment 2 — February 20, 2015 Park Commission Work Session Minutes CHAIRMAN'S REPORT: 3. Review of Park Assignments Attachment 3 - Park Assignments 4. 2015 Priorities and Work Session Assignments Attachment 4 - Strategic Planning Notes & 2015 Priorities SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS: 5. Website Review — Julie and Brenda STAFF REPORTS 6. Public Works Director/City Engineer Update NEW BUSINESS: 7. Future Work Sessions 8. Budget Spreadsheets 9. Cost for Donation of Equipment 911 • Gnu_► Additional Attachments: Attachment 5 - Updated Park Commissioners Contact Information MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday, January 5, 2015 7:00 o'clock p.m. ROLL CALL 14--t-,ac,,,yt6,v / The Orono Park Commission met on the above-mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Rick Meyers, Commissioners Brenda Johnson, Bryce Johnson, Paul Pesek, and Julie Rueggemer Representing Staff were Public Works Director/City Engineer Adam Edwards and Recorder Jackie Young. Council Member Lizz Levang was present. Chair Meyers called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m PRESENTATION 1. DANNY McCULLOUGH, THREE RIVERS TRAIL MANAGER Danny McCullough is the Regional Trails Manager of the Three Rivers Trail System and will be the liaison to the Orono Park Commission for anything trail related. McCullough noted he has been with Three Rivers since the creation of the Dakota Trail. McCullough stated one of the issues that he is aware of is the issue of parking with the Dakota Trail and that Three Rivers Park District is well aware of the parking needs for the trail. McCullough indicated the trail gets approximately four to five hundred thousand visitors per year, which makes it probably the third or fourth busiest trail in the Three Rivers trail system. McCullough stated Three Rivers is hoping to come up with some parking solutions for the trail in the future and has looked at a number of options. McCullough noted one option that has been looked at in the past is the Old Crystal Bay Post Office area. Pesek stated the biggest complaint he has heard about the trail system relates to the bikers on the trail that do not warn the pedestrians as they approach them. McCullough indicated that is a concern on all the trails and that he receives several e-mails a week about this topic. McCullough stated it is an issue because it is a very successful trail system, and anytime you have a significant number of people on the trail at one time, you will have conflict. McCullough stated Three Rivers is attempting to educate the bicyclists and has implemented a number of years ago mobile sign campaigns on a number of the trails. Three Rivers has achieved some success with signs and they are directed to both the pedestrians and the bicyclists since it is a multi -use trail. McCullough stated on a larger level, he is currently working with the state on developing a state-wide trail safety messaging program. Three Rivers' program is called Share the Trail and is the first one of its kind in the state. The program covers trail etiquette and trail rules to direct people to ride and walk safely on the trails. McCullough indicated his work with the state involves working with the DNR and Hennepin County on developing a state-wide safety messaging program. McCullough stated in order for the safety messaging to be effective, there has to be a cultural change among the users of the trails, and Three Rivers is concentrating on attaining that shift in the cycling community but that it takes time. Pesek stated the best defense is clay since the bikers cannot ride on that type of surface very fast. Meyers asked if there is any enforcement by Three Rivers of dog ordinances. Meyers indicated he has seen Three Rivers' people out there but that he has never seen anyone receive a citation for anything. Page 1 of 11 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday, January 5, 2015 7:00 o'clock p.m. Meyers stated he personally owns two dogs and that when he is on the trail with his dogs, the bicyclists tend to not like dogs since they have a general perception that their owners do not pick up after them. Meyers noted some of the dog parks have bags available. Meyers stated that concept could also be implemented on the trails but that another issue is that there are not enough garbage cans available. Meyers stated he is aware that some people will leave the plastic bags on the trail. McCullough stated there are some bag stations available on the Dakota Trail and that Three Rivers' officers do enforce their dog ordinances. Meyers asked if there is a law that says a person has to have a bag with them to pick up their litter. McCullough stated the trail is technically a park and that Three Rivers' ordinances would apply. McCullough stated they are required to have their dog on a leash and to pick up their waste. Meyers stated in his opinion the officers could ask people with dogs if they have a plastic bag. McCullough stated the people with dogs are required to have a cleanup device and that the officers do enforce that. McCullough stated if Three Rivers receives complaints about a specific area, the officers do saturate that area and enforce the different ordinances. McCullough stated if Orono receives a number of those types of complaints, they should call him. Meyers noted the City does not plow the trails in the winter and in the summer Three Rivers does all the maintenance. Meyers asked why Three Rivers allows the cities to do the maintenance during the winter rather than doing it themselves. McCullough stated traditionally Three Rivers has not maintained the trail system in the wintertime but that it is a topic of discussion on a regular basis. McCullough stated with the end of snowmobiles on the trails, there became a lot less people on the trails, but now with the popularity of winter sports, the trails are becoming more heavily used. McCullough stated maintaining trails in the winter is very expensive and a huge labor commitment. Traditionally Three Rivers has not maintained the trails in the winter due to staffing but that Three Rivers does have some cross-country trails and downhill ski operations that have to be maintained, which keeps Three Rivers staff busy during the winter. Communities have the option of maintaining the trails in the winter, which has been the case for the past 20 to 30 years. McCullough noted Three Rivers is currently in the process of looking at that and compiling costs related to that work, which is an unknown at this point. McCullough noted there is presently over 170 miles of trails throughout Hennepin County from Maple Plain to Richfield. Meyers stated he is not sure whether every trail has to be plowed and that the paved trails are probably easier to plow. Meyers stated perhaps Three Rivers could designate some trails that could be plowed. McCullough stated paved trails are easier to plow and that the only reason it is not being done currently by Three Rivers is the cost. McCullough stated Three Rivers is looking at all options, including a tiered system and paved versus unpaved. McCullough stated he is not sure Three Rivers wants to plow every trail in the system since some people like to snowshoe or cross-country ski on the trails. McCullough stated Three Rivers is looking at a number of parameters associated with that. Page 2 of 11 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday, January 5, 2015 7:00 o'clock p.m. Bryce Johnson asked what kind of forward planning Three Rivers does and what their greatest priority is on the trail system. McCullough stated Three Rivers creates master plans for future connections on the regional trail system and that it takes a number of years to coordinate that with the cities. McCullough stated it typically takes between five and ten years to implement one of those master plans since Three Rivers has to enter into agreements with the various cities and obtain funding. McCullough indicated currently Three Rivers has three or four projects coming up in the next ten years. McCullough stated as it relates to Three Rivers' priorities, the Metropolitan Council sets the priorities for the trails as well as Hennepin County. Before any plan is implemented, Three Rivers needs to make sure projects are in line with what the Metropolitan Council and Hennepin County envision for different areas. McCullough noted the Hennepin County bike plan and a regional bicycle network plan was recently adopted and is available on the Metropolitan Council website. McCullough stated Three Rivers will be following that plan and coordinating their projects with that plan. Pesek asked about the north/south connection between the Dakota Trail and the Luce Line near Gale Farm. McCullough stated the master plan for that connection was just completed and approved. Three Rivers has already started acquiring some land but that realistically it might be ten years before that connection is built due to other projects already underway. McCullough indicated Three Rivers' biggest project at the present time is Nine -Mile Creek, which will connect Hopkins to the airport through Richfield and Edina. Ground will be broken for that project either this year or next year. Meyers requested the Park Commission be kept apprised on any upcoming projects and that Orono would be interested in partnering with Three Rivers on projects whenever possible. McCullough stated Three Rivers has a history of partnering with the surrounding cities, and that any time there are projects that directly benefit the Dakota Trail, Three Rivers would like to work closely with the cities. McCullough stated he knows parking is a big issue for the Dakota Trail and that he would like to work with Orono in dealing with that. Meyers asked if Three Rivers would be interested in parking near the Crystal Bay Post Office. Meyers noted the Park Commission has briefly contemplated purchasing the property next to the post office and asked if that is something Three Rivers would be willing to partner on. McCullough stated Three Rivers would be willing to meet and talk about that. McCullough asked if he is talking about increasing the parking or redeveloping the whole property. Meyers indicated the available parking currently is on the east side of the road, with some parking for the post office. Meyers stated the property he is speaking of is located next to the post office and is probably around a quarter of an acre. Meyers stated that would be a way to have parking in the neighborhood without being intrusive to the residents. Meyers stated he is envisioning a parking lot with a fence, which would help eliminate the parking on the residential streets. McCullough suggested the Park Commission contact him when the project becomes more definite. Page 3 of 11 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday, January 5, 2015 7:00 o'clock p.m. Brenda Johnson asked if the trail from County Road 19 in Navarre and around the lake will be the responsibility of Three Rivers or Hennepin County. McCullough stated it has been identified in the Hennepin County bike plan and that one of the issues is the narrowness of the bike trail. McCullough stated if it is included in the Hennepin County bike plan, it could end up as either Three Rivers or Hennepin County's trail but that it has not been determined. McCullough stated that trail ranked very high on the top 20 connectors list and that it will become more of a focus in the next 10 to 20 years. Brenda Johnson stated when property comes up for sale or development along County Road 19, there should be an easement given so the trail can occur in the future. McCullough noted Hennepin County would be responsible for that. McCullough indicated he will leave his contact information so they can contact him. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2. APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER PARK COMMISSION MINUTES Bryce Johnson requested the name of Jim Gasch be corrected to read Jim Gambone where appropriate and that under adjournment the vote be corrected to read 5-0. Bryce Johnson stated in his view it appears from the minutes that some of the items did not have proper Closure and that the discussion regarding the park assignments was rather confusing. Meyers noted new commissioner, Julie Rueggemer, will need to be assigned some parks and suggested that this item be discussed at the work session. Pesek moved, Rueggemer seconded, to approve the minutes of the November Park Commission meeting as corrected. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 3. EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT UPDATE Meyers noted in November Alex Knueppel approached the Park Commission about a possible Eagle Scout project. Meyers noted prior to coming before the Park Commission, Knueppel had originally spoken with Mike Gaffron about some plaques for Big Island, but it was decided due to vandalism that tends to occur on Big Island that it would not be a worthwhile project. Then it was suggested that Knueppel consider doing something at the Seven Nations Park. Knueppel then met with Dean Lundblad about the project. Meyers indicated he was not really aware of the possible project until it was discussed at the Park Commission meeting. Meyers stated during the November meeting, he personally, as well as some of the other commissioners, had some reservations about the project given the ceremonial grounds and the significance to the Native Americans. Meyers stated following the meeting, he began to have concerns about the scope of work being proposed and the amount of money that would be necessary to complete the project. Page 4 of 11 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday, January 5, 2015 7:00 o'clock p.m. Meyers stated he spoke with Mayor McMillan and Council Member Lizz Levang about the proposed project to see if there would be something more attainable and less costly that Knueppel could do. Meyers stated in his opinion French Creek is an option and that one improvement could be to add some signage. Meyers stated he then asked Adam Edwards to speak to Knueppel. Meyers stated he neglected to follow the Park Commission's protocols and that he should have let the rest of the Park Commission know about this and see how they felt prior to asking Staff to speak to Alex. Meyers noted the Park Commission had passed a motion approving the work at Seven Nations Park, which has not been acted on yet by the Council. Edwards stated after the concerns were raised by Chair Meyers and Mayor McMillan, he spoke with Alex and his father. Edwards stated Alex's father expressed some concerns since it was the second time he was redirected on his Eagle Scout project. Edwards stated he looked for some easy things that could be accomplished at one of the parks that would meet the Eagle Scout requirements and that in his view French Creek Park would be within the realm of what an Eagle Scout project should be. Edwards indicated he discussed several items at French Creek that need improvement with Alex and his father and that to his knowledge Alex will be back in the spring with a plan. Edwards stated he suggested an informational sign at the entryway be installed. Edwards noted the Park Commission had discussed a possible a sign design at the last work session. Edwards stated other suggestions that were given were placing benches at the two viewing areas along the waterway, some repairs to the bird blinds, and clearing out brush along the west side of the lake between the prairie restoration area and the lake. Edwards stated Alex seemed amenable to those suggestions. Edwards noted a normal Eagle Scout project is either fundraising or doing some kind of labor but that it is typically not both. Edwards stated the City could provide the gravel, the sign, and the benches while Alex could manage the project, coordinate it, and do the labor. Edwards stated a good Eagle Scout project typically consists of a day or two of work. Meyers indicated he did tour French Creek and that in his view the amount of work would be manageable. Meyers recommended the Park Commission rescind their motion for the Seven Nations project and recommend that Alex undertake an Eagle Scout project at French Creek. Brenda Johnson moved, Bryce Johnson seconded, to rescind the motion approved at the November Park Commission meeting for the Eagle Scout project at Seven Nations Park. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. Bryce Johnson stated to his understanding the discussion at the last meeting created exactly the situation he spoke of earlier and that the discussion by the Park Commission was not well focused. Johnson stated some sort of preliminary analysis by Staff of a proposal would be helpful. Johnson asked if the French Creek project needs to be approved tonight. Meyers stated the Park Commission previously talked about creating a list of Scout ready projects that someone could select from and that it might be better if Staff vets the projects prior to the Park Commission involvement. Page 5 of 11 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday, January 5, 2015 7:00 o'clock p.m. Edwards noted a future item on the Park Commission's work session agenda is to develop a parks plan and compile an inventory of what exists at each park. Edwards stated part of that process could include identification of projects for Scouts or other interested groups. Edwards stated if the City had a preliminary list that would be very helpful to Staff, especially since the Park Commission only meets once every other month. Edwards noted Alex Knueppel is looking at doing the work in April or May. Meyers stated the Park Commission is still relatively new and that they need to tackle one project at a time. Meyers recommended the Park Commission deal with some of the bigger items in a work session, such as working on the 5 -year plan and new signage. Brenda Johnson stated given the fact that this is a new Park Commission; they do not understand the history of the parks and that having a completed inventory for each park would be very helpful. Johnson stated the book compiled by Edwards is also very helpful in understanding the history of the parks. Bryce Johnson asked if a bullet point summary of the proposal at French Creek Park could be provided, which could then be approved at the next meeting. Meyers requested that Staff provide a list of items that can be done at French Creek and to remain in contact with Alex Knueppel. 4. UPDATE ON COUNCIL ACTIONS A. PARK POLICIES Meyers reported the park and maintenance policies were approved by the City Council at their December meeting. Meyers stated the only caveat the Council placed on the policies was for the Park Commission to identify the type of buoys that are being considered as well as the costs associated with purchase and maintenance of them or another type of demarcation system that could be utilized for the swim beaches. Edwards stated his understanding of the Council action was that they would like to approve the type of buoys or signage that would be installed. Edwards indicated he has already researched buoys and signage and that he will present that to the City Council once the list is complete. Edwards stated he plans to do that in the near future so the work can be done this spring. Bryce Johnson asked if a sign would be acceptable. Meyers stated the main concern is the sign visibility from the water, and that if there are swim buoys out in the water, those would be more noticeable. Bryce Johnson stated the buoys should be located in areas where it is safe to swim and not give the wrong impression that a certain area is safe for swimming. Edwards stated he understands the concern of the Park Commission about placement of the buoys. Meyers stated there are two types of buoys and that he is talking about buoys to keep the boats out. Page 6 of 11 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday, January 5, 2015 7:00 o'clock p.m. Edwards noted in the past the City utilized the string type buoys, which were a maintenance nightmare and were often moved by various people. As a result, a decision was made to eliminate them. Edwards stated the proposal he is currently looking at are buoys for the boats. B. PARK BUDGET Meyers asked how much money the Park Commission has in its budget for 2015 and how it is broken down. Edwards indicated there is an additional $36,873 that was approved by the Council. The main items included in that amount include an additional $10,000 for a temporary, seasonal employee; $10,000 for miscellaneous park supplies or repairs; and $11,000 in professional services such as tree trimming and other things that are not within the scope or ability of the Public Works Department. Brenda Johnson asked what buildings and grounds typically includes. Edwards stated that would include lawn mowing and recurring landscaping and general maintenance, such as sign replacement and docks. Pesek noted the budget does not show any capital improvements. Pesek stated to his understanding the Park Commission has $800,000 available that could be used to acquire a new park or other capital improvements. Edwards noted what is on the overhead screen is the Park Commission's annual budget and that there is a Park Fund that is available for the purchase of additional lands or other capital expenditures. Edwards indicated that item was included in the Park Commission's 3 -ring binders in the budget section. Meyers stated those funds will be looked at as part of the 5 -year plan. Edwards noted there is not a steady stream of income into the Park Fund and is dependent on developments. Pesek stated what that money can be used for should be better defined. Meyers concurred with Commissioner Pesek and stated the Park Commission can discuss that when they have their work session. Edwards stated he can also speak with the City's Finance Director and get some clarification on that. STAFF REPORTS 5. PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/CITY ENGINEER UPDATE Edwards reported since the November meeting, the Public Works Department has been out at a number of the parks throughout the City. Work has been performed at Summit Beach Park to clean up the canoe area as well as brush removal. Edwards noted at Summit Beach Park the Public Works Staff will need to grind a big stump in the spring as well as remove some buckthorn. In addition, some tree trimming has Page 7 of 11 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday, January 5, 2015 7:00 o'clock p.m. been performed at Hackberry Park, Bederwood Park, Antoine Park, and Livingston Park. Edwards stated the ice rinks at Hackberry Park and Crystal Bay Park have been flooded for the winter. Edwards stated Staff in the Public Works Department has been advised to perform tree trimming at the parks when weather permits. Edwards requested the Commissioners notify him if they notice any brush or other items at any of the parks that need to be addressed. Meyers stated he appreciates the work that has been done so far and that it is nice to know the work will be completed in an orderly fashion. Pesek stated it is his understanding the City is not cutting down any ash trees yet, and asked whether the City plans to do anything to address the Emerald Ash borer. Edwards stated the City decided last year not to do anything with the Emerald Ash Borer and that it is probably something that will need to be revisited annually. Edwards stated he has provided each Commissioner with a 3 -ring binder containing various documents that may be helpful to them on the parks but that he did not include the donation policy since that has not been finalized. Meyers commented the 3 -ring binders are very helpful and will help the new commissioners. Edwards stated if any of the Commissioners did not receive a packet from him last week, to please let him know. SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS 6. DONATION POLICY Bryce Johnson noted the Park Commission discussed this item at the work session and that they reviewed a template from Three Rivers and Minnetonka for possible inclusion in Orono's donation policy. Johnson stated Commissioners Lindahl, Rueggemer and himself have looked through the draft and that there are perhaps one or two things that should be changed. Johnson stated as it relates to the very first paragraph, there was a discussion regarding the use of the phrase "assist the City in replacing or adding to park amenities." Johnson stated a donation policy is to provide guidance for someone that is giving or doing something. Meyers stated in his view the policy is to encourage people to help a park in need but that it may imply the park is neglected. Bryce Johnson suggested using the phrase "enhance our parks." Meyers suggested remembering a loved one by enhancing a park or enhance a park might be more palatable. Rueggemer suggested the phrase "remember a loved one by enhancing a park." Page 8 of 11 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday, January 5, 2015 7:00 o'clock p.m. Bryce Johnson stated that phrase might be better. Levang noted this is a draft and perhaps the Park Commission could bring back those changes in another draft that the Park Commission could vote on. Edwards noted he did include some costs on the last page of the policy. Meyers stated he is comfortable with everything that is included Johnson asked if the Park Commission would like to discuss the costs or whether that page should just be included with the park donation policy. Meyers stated a list of possible donation items would need to be park specific and that some benches may need to be fastened down. Meyers stated that might be a task that Staff would be better equipped to address. Edwards suggested all the concrete pads be removed from the donation policy with the understanding that if someone donates a bench and it requires a concrete pad that is something the City will provide with the donor simply providing the bench. Meyers noted the Park Commission has $11,000 in its budget for those types of items. Edwards stated most the benches and tables come freestanding and others come with posts that are augured into the ground. Edwards noted Lorton Park has the type of tables that are anchored into the ground. Meyers stated he would like to leave that up to the discretion of the Public Works Director. Edwards stated for each item he checked three different catalogues and went with a median price. Bryce Johnson noted the color listed for the benches is grey. Meyers stated blue is kind of the Orono color but that the color scheme depends on the park as well. Edwards stated for the donation policy he used the standard recycled lumber products that were discussed in the work session. Edwards stated grey was included since it is the color scheme of the signs and that he does have some catalogues with playground benches that have some different color schemes. Pesek asked if the City has an inventory of where the benches would be needed or whether the donor would get to choose that. Edwards stated the Park Commission could specify which park different items are desired at. Meyers stated he would like to avoid the need for back and forth communications with the donor and that he would like to make it easy for someone to donate an item. Bryce Johnson stated Staff could recommend locations that are outside of those that are listed. Page 9 of 11 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday, January 5, 2015 7:00 o'clock p.m. Meyers stated the locations and prices are for this point in time and may change in the future. Edwards stated the policy will probably have to be revisited every two or three years. Bryce Johnson asked whether the Park Commission wants to list specific items for each park. Edwards noted the site inventory is from 1997, which is the last time it was done, and that it would be nice if the list were updated. Meyers stated he would like to leave that language out of the document, and that once the inventory is done, the Public Works Director could have that list. Bryce Johnson stated in his view most people will have a specific location in mind. Johnson recommended the prices be included in the next draft. Meyers stated the policy is close to being final and asked whether the Park Commission could make a motion approving certain amendments to the donation policy which then can be sent to the City Council without the need for it to come back before the Park Commission. Levang stated they could do that if the Commissioners feel this is a good draft with just some minor tweaking being required. Bryce Johnson stated his understanding of the changes include substituting the words "enhance a park" rather than "help a park," and including Staffs cost estimates in the TPDs, minus the concrete pads, and then removal of the language about parks that need additions. Rueggemer stated she likes the current wording of a park in need. Levang stated it sounds as if the City has been neglectful and that she would rather have positive language that conveys the impression that the parks are being enhanced. Levang stated she can see it being interpreted as if the parks have been neglected. Brenda Johnson stated enhancing the park helps to make people feel good about themselves rather than simply making a repair. Edwards suggested the language "enhance your favorite park." Rueggemer stated she did not see it as a negative but that she understands what the other commissioners are saying. Meyers moved, Brenda Johnson seconded, to refer the park donation policy to the City Council for approval following some minor editing by Commissioner Bryce Johnson and Chair Meyers consistent with the discussion had by the Park Commission. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. NEW BUSINESS 7. FUTURE WORK SESSION DATE AND PROPOSED TOPICS: Page 10 of 11 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday, January 5, 2015 7:00 o'clock p.m. A. DATE AND TIME Edwards noted March I" is the next regularly scheduled Park Commission meeting. It was the consensus of the Park Commission to schedule a work session for Friday, February 20, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., and to ask Ron Olson to speak to the group about the Park Fund and budget. Other topics on the agenda include a review of the City's website and creation of a 5 -year plan. Pesek asked how the donation policy would be advertised. Meyers stated it will be included on the City's website and newsletter. B. REVIEW AND UPDATE OF PARK SECTION ON CITY OF ORONO WEBSITE — GOAL OF INCREASED VISIBILITY AND USE OF PARKS AND BEACHES Meyers suggested Commissioners Brenda Johnson and Julie Rueggemer begin working on suggestions for the website. Meyers stated he and Commissioner Pesek will work on questions relating to the budget. C. BEGIN TO DEVELOP 5 -YEAR PLAN FOR PARKS — GOAL OF DEVELOPING A VISION AND ACTION PLANS Meyers noted this item will be discussed at the work session and suggested the Park Commissioners come up with some goals and priorities for this year and the next few years. ADJOURNMENT Brenda Johnson moved, Bryce Johnson seconded, to adjourn the Orono Park Commission at 8:42 p.m. VOTE: Ayes 5 Nays 0. ATTEST: Rick Meyers, Chair Page 12 of 11 ,o4rrAGN1146A/r— 2 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION WORK SESSION FEBRUARY 20, 2015 2:00p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Rick Meyer, Julie Ruegemer, Jan Berg, Brenda Johnson, Bryce Johnson, Paul Pesek, Adam Edwards, Director of Public Works and City Engineer, Mike Gaffron, Senior Planner, Lizz Levang, City Councilor. DISCUSSION ITEMS: Park Dedication Funds. Ron Olson was unable to attend this work session, and will be invited to a future meeting. Commissioners reviewed the report Mr. Olson wrote and discussed a number of concerns. Mission Statement Mission Statement is broad and would benefit from further examination. Julie and Brenda will re -draft the statement along with the work they are doing on the website 3. Attendance at City Council meetings was discussed. Consensus was that the commission will work with Adam to get on the City Council agenda when there is reason to come before the Council. For example, to present the newly designed website. 4, Joint work session with Council. The commission agreed that they would like to have a yearly joint meeting with the council. Adam suggested June 2015 as a possible time slot to coincide with the Council's budget process. 5. Park Assignments A list was passed around to sign up for lead position and assistant for each of Orono's parks and beaches. Rick will finalize and distribute to all commissioners. A acx,.H�vr 3 ORONO PARK ASSIGNMENTS PARK COMMISSIONER COMMISSIONER ANTOINE JULIE BEDERWOOD BRYCE CASCO POINT PARK RICK CASCO POINT RINK RICK CASCO POINT BEACH JAN RICK CHEVY CHASE PARK PAUL CRYSTAL BAY PLAYGROUND SARAH FRENCH CREEK PRESERVE PAUL HACKBERRY BRYCE HIGHWOOD NATURE TRAIL JULIE BRENDA/PAUL LIVINGSTON TOWER RICK BRYCE LOWRY WOODS PAUL LURTON PARK SARAH BRENDA/BRYCE LYDIARD BEACH JAN NAVARRE PLAYGROUND RICK JULIE SAGA HILL BRENDA JULIE/PAUL SANDY BEACH JAN JULIE SEVEN NATIONS PARK BRENDA BRYCE/PAUL SUMMIT BEACH JAN RICK As of March 2, 2015 2015 PARK COMMISSION STRATEGIC PLANNING BRAINSTORMING: 1. *Website - user friendly 2. *At least one park renovation to show before and after success 3. *Usable beaches by neighborhoods *Dog Park *GPS identifiable Orono 4. Parks *Refurbish all park signs (whiten letters, clean, re -orient) 5. *Community Park Day- clean-up/planting/etc. 6. *1 park used to show donation policy park amenities *Underused park 7. Showcase by staging a workshop on the premises to increase usability and promote citizen involvement. Workshop to be facilitated by Park Commission. 7 Nations? 8. *Consistent park equipment, benches/etc *Tree Ordinance *Garbage 9. Enclosures with pad and wood *Revitalize Adopt -A -Park *Develop a 10. Proto-type information board *Walking map for parks/trails (Saga, 7 11. Nations, French Creek, Highwood, Lurton) *Naturalist/expert to conduct a walking program (French Creek) *Complete professional plan for Livingston Tower Park (building to plantings) *Sidewalk from neighborhoods to Orono trails or other connectors *Soccer pitches 2015 FINAL PRIORITIES AND ASSIGNMENTS 1. Livingston Tower Park - professional plan to be devised, including installing a proto- type board and creating walking maps. (leadership: Bryce & Rick) 2. Highwood Nature Trail - install an information sign/map (leadership: Julie, Brenda, Paul) 3. Saga Hill - prepare a plan for cleaning up/beautifying this nature area with a proposed start date of 2016 (leadership: Julie, Paul) 4. Lydiard beach - clean and beautify the beach area, install park amenities (leadership: Jan) 5. Dog Park — research, co sts/regulations/benefits, etc. necessary to establish a dog park (leadership: Rick, Paul, Brenda, Bryce) 6. Website - revise website, include a community park day, Adopt -a -Park and GPS co- ordinates (leadership: Brenda and Julie) 7. Summit Beach - relocate porta potty and trash cans and build new enclosures (leadership: Rick) 8. Refurbish Park Signs (leadership: Rick) 2/22/15