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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-04-2016 Park Commission PacketAGENDA City of Orono Park Commission Meeting for MONDAY, January 4, 2015; 6:30 PM Orono Council Chambers, 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356 952-249-46001 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, it will be scheduled for an upcoming City Council meeting. CALL TO ORDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES. 1. Approval of November 2"d, 2015 Park Commission Meeting Attachment -Minutes PRESENTATIONS. 2. Certificate of Appreciation for Eagle Project at French Creek 3. Boy Scout Eagle Project at Antoine Park- Will Hutton PUBLIC COMMENT. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT. 4. Chair and Vice Chair Appointment Discussion 5. Lurton Park Transition to Off Leash Park. 6. Livingston Park Update. STAFF REPORTS. 7. Public Works Director/City Engineer Update. SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS. 8. Crystal Bay Planning Timeline - Sarah Lindahl 9. Sandy Beach Planning Timeline - Jan Berg 10. Saga Hills Planning Timeline - Julie Ruegemer 11. Seven Nations Cultural History Scope & Goal, Brenda Johnson 12. Trails Scope & Goal - Brenda Johnson 13. Community Outreach Scope & Goal - Julie Ruegemer 14. Outside Funding Scope & Goal - Bryce Johnson 15. Commissioner's Updates ADJOURNMENT. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday, November 2, 2015 6:30 o'clock p.m. ROLL CALL The Orono Park Commission met on the above-mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Rick Meyers, Commissioners Brenda Johnson, Sarah Lindahl, Paul Pesek, and Julie Ruegemer. 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 6:30 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Meyers requested the minutes be corrected as follows: Page 1, Item 2, "Meyers noted the pavers are permeable," Page 10 under New Business, a volleyball court could be constructed on the sandy beach at Summit Park; and on Page 11, the epoxy coating would be at Navarre Park Approval of September 8, 2015, Park Commission :Meeting Pesek moved, Johnson seconded, to approve the minutes of the September 8, 2015, Park Commission meeting as submitted. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. PRESENTATIONS 2. Angela Isackson — Three Rivers Parks — Woodlot Management and Invasive Plants Angela Isackson, Invasive Species Coordinator, stated her position was created three years ago to deal with the invasive species at the various parks through the metro area. Examples of invasive species include garlic mustard, buckthorn, oriental bittersweet, and wild parsnip, which have an impact on the ecology, recreation, and economics. Isackson noted invasive species will tend to remain green much longer than other plants, which makes them easy to identify at this time of year. Isackson displayed pictures of the various invasive species found in the local parks. Isackson noted the various types of invasive species tend to take over various areas and do not allow other natural woodland plants to grow. Wild parsnip causes a skin reaction consisting of skin burning and blisters, which is a public health hazard. Wild parsnip has been confirmed at Baker Park and is a matter of time before it starts spreading in the Metro along highways and county roads. Isackson noted wild parsnip has been found along County Road 6 and off the Luce Line Trail. It tends to spread as a result of mowing and is eliminated through controlled burns, spraying, and early mowing. Isackson stated there are two types of buckthorn; common and glossy buckthorn. At one time buckthorn was widely planted throughout United States but it is now classified as a restricted noxious weed in Minnesota. Buckthorn competes with native plants, contributes to erosion, and serves as a host to pests. Garlic mustard is a biannual and forms a dense cover, reduces native soil, and impacts the mycorrhizal in the soil. Isackson stated Oriental bittersweet is just starting to spread through the United States and at the present time is located mostly on the eastern coast. The plant was introduced for ornamental purposes and is often mislabeled as American bittersweet. Once the vine becomes larger, it can kill or damage trees and shrubs and makes trees more likely to drop branches during wind and ice storms. In addition, the vines Page 1 of 9 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday, November 2, 2015 6:30 o'clock p.m. strangle trees, reduces light available for tree growth, and the added vine weight can break tree branches. Oriental bittersweet likes to grow near prickly ash, plum, and dogwood trees. Isackson noted there is an American bittersweet plant that is very important for wildlife but looks very similar to the Oriental bittersweet. The female Oriental bittersweet plant will have fruit with yellow capsules found at the leaf axils and the American bittersweet has fruit with orange capsules at the terminal ends of branches. Isackson noted buckthorn seeds are viable for five years and the fruit of the Oriental bittersweet typically will live only two to three years. Isackson displayed maps of the infestation areas for the different invasive species. Isackson noted the EDD Maps is an early detection and distribution mapping system and is available to the public. Meyers asked if the City has any information on how to identify the plants. Edwards stated the Public Works employees know what some of the various invasive species look like, and if they have a question, they send the weed inspector out. Pesek asked what Three Rivers does to help control the spread. Isackson stated if it is a large infestation, they will spray the overall area; and with a smaller infestation, they will perform spot spraying. Isackson stated they have tried different chemicals but that typically 2-4-D is the most effective for removing the invasive species. Isackson stated people are becoming more aware of invasive species and that Three Rivers does put signs out to warn the public if there is an infestation. In order to help combat the problem, Three Rivers has started to map and rate the various areas the different invasive species has been identified. Once an invasive species has been identified, volunteers will remove as much of it as possible. Three Rivers has also created an Adopt-a-Woodlot program and the WorkCleanGo program. The WorkCleanGo program helps to educate public works departments on the importance of avoiding areas with invasive plants that have gone to seed and cleaning off their equipment before moving to the next site. The PlayCleanGo program helps to inform the recreationalists of the various invasive species and what to watch out for in an effort to stop its spread. Isackson displayed a picture of a sign that they use to help inform people of an infestation of wild parsnip. Isackson indicated the signs are approximately $20 apiece, which does not include the cost of installation. The Three Rivers Park system has over 20 parks at the present time. Isackson stated they have been prioritizing the parks based on the level of invasive species that have been found and a removal priority list has been created for 2016. Isackson stated they also apply for state and federal grants to help offset the costs associated with the replanting. The invasive species watch list includes: yellow star thistle, Grecian foxglove, oriental bittersweet, Japanese hops, Dalmation toadflax, and common teasel, Japanese barberry, burning bush, amur maple, and spotted nap weed. Isackson stated early detection is the key to controlling the spread of these plants and that Three Rivers Parks has active detection networks, which is a great way to share data with the public and other government agencies. Isackson stated once a report comes in on an invasive species, Page 2 of 9 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday, November 2, 2015 6:30 o'clock p.m. volunteer groups will go out in an attempt to contain or eradicate invasive populations. Three Rivers Parks also partners with the Department of Agriculture and the DNR. Meyers stated the presentation has been very informative and provides the Parks Commission with some ideas on how to proceed. Johnson stated one of the issues they have been facing is that the buckthorn is removed from the parks but it is on the neighboring lots. Isackson indicated Three Rivers Parks will partner with property owners as well as promote the adopt-a-woodlot program Isackson stated if the Parks Commission requires any resources, they should feel free to contact her. Isackson indicated she would leave some handouts on native alternatives and buckthorn removal. PUBLIC COMMENT None CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 3. 2016 Focus Parks and Commission Priorities Meyers noted Bryce Johnson has created a list of 2016 priorities. The priority parks in 2016 will be Crystal Bay Park, Saga Hill, and Sandy Beach. Ongoing work will be done at French Creek Preserve, Livingston Tower, and the Summit Beach Picnic Area. Johnson asked if there will be any work done on the trails. Edwards stated those three parks are the focus parks. for 2016 and that the Parks Commission has the trails, Seven Nations, community outreach, and outside funding, which is searching for grant money, for the initiatives in 2016. Council Member Levang stated under the new activity priorities for 2016, trails are listed, and the suggested activity is to initiate a study of Orono trail opportunities and existing easements. Levang noted Mike Gaffron discussed the existing easements at a prior Parks Commission meeting and at that time indicated that existing easements would be difficult to figure out since there is not a master list. Levang stated a better way of doing that might be by looking at the master trail map that has been created and then work off of that rather than have Staff go through a1I the files to see whether an easement has been obtained. Levang stated she questions the value of knowing where the existing easements are. Johnson stated the Parks Commission could look at the master trail plan, see where there are gaps, and then go from there. Edwards stated the first thing the subcommittees should do is decide what the mission should be and then lay out a plan for tackling the issues at the parks they are assigned to. Page 3 of 9 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMIVIISSION MEETING Monday, November 2, 2015 6:30 o'clock p.m. Johnson stated it is difficult to determine what the needs are without knowing if there are existing easements in the area. Johnson stated it could be that a trail was never identified for that area simply because it was never thought that land would be developed. Johnson stated in her view Council Member Levang's suggestion makes a lot of sense. Edwards stated he will take to the Council whatever the Parks Commission votes on as an informational item to get their input. Meyers asked if the Commissioners are in agreement with the 2016 priorities. Johnson indicated she is. Johnson noted some of the items require different levels of action. Pesek stated the priority list is a good idea. Johnson asked if the trails are more study items. Meyers stated they are, and that after those are studied, they can be moved up on the priority list. Ruegemer and Lindahl stated they are in agreement with the priorities. Johnson moved, Pesek seconded, to approve the list of the 2016 proposed improvements and the new activity priorities for 2016. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. 4. Livingston Park Update Meyers reported the area where the pavers are going has been dug out at Livingston Park so they can install the base layer. Meyers stated in his view there will not be any drainage problems. The contractor has also installed the wood fencing around the telephone equipment and placed danger signs on it as well. Meyers stated he is not sure if the contractor will do any planting of the bigger trees this fall. STAFF REPORTS 5. Public Works Director/City Engineer Update Edwards stated the Public Works Department has completed their annual playground inspection and only minor maintenance items were found. In addition, a picnic table has been installed at Crystal Bay Park, the dilapidated benches were removed, and the STS guys have been cutting down buckthorn. At Hackberry Park the City had a contractor blow in new wood chips for the playground area. The right- of-way at Lurton Park has been seeded by Prairie Restorations. Edwards noted the upkeep of that area by Prairie Restorations will cost between $1,000 to $2,000 a year, with the area needing to be burned every three or four years. The new fence, new tree, and new riprap has been installed at Lydiard Beach. In addition, weed spraying and shoulder mowing has been completed on the trails. Big Island Nature Park and Pleasant View have been moved, with the dock slated to be removed in the near future. Page 4 of 9 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday, November 2, 2015 6:30 o'clock p.m. Edwards noted there is some work still remaining to be completed at the golf course and includes finishing the drainage and construction of a new green. Edwards stated the City has two Boy Scout projects to be completed. Edwards stated Will Hutton was on the agenda tonight but has requested that he be allowed to address the Parks Commission in a couple of months since he is currently studying for the ACT. Will Hutton is proposing to design and install some butterfly gardens at Antoine Park. The project is to occur in the spring. Edwards reported the other Boy Scout will be installing the benches at French Creek this weekend. Edwards stated a number of Girl Scouts attended the last City Council meeting and that they have expressed an interest in doing some service projects at the city -owned parks. Meyers stated the adopt-a-woodlot would be a good project for a Boy Scout or Girl Scout troop to do and that the Parks Commission should pursue that. Meyers reported in the area where the benches were removed at Crystal Bay Park, it is very soggy and is probably not a very good area to put a soccer field. Meyers stated further south might be better since it is higher and has good drainage. 'Meyers stated the area would also have a north/south orientation. Edwards stated some rain gardens might also be a good addition at some of the parks, including Crystal Bay Park. :Meyers stated there should perhaps be a work session to discuss Crystal Bay Park. Meyers stated once some firm ideas are arrived at, the Parks Commission could send a letter out to the neighbors for their feedback. Pesek stated it would be a good idea to get a group of neighbors together to talk about what they would like to see happen at the park. Johnson asked if the Public Works Department mowed Seven Nations. Edwards indicated it was mowed in the spring, followed by some spot mowing. Johnson asked if there is anything the City can do to address the thistles at that park. Meyers stated it is probably something that should be done in the spring before it goes to seed. SPECIAL CONVL'VIITTEE REPORTS 6. Commissioners' Updates Meyers noted the dog park committee is kind of in abeyance until more definite plans are decided for Lurton Park. Meyers asked if anyone has volunteered for the adopt -a -park program. Ruegemer indicated she has not really done anything with that. Page 5 of 9 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COM[MISSION MEETING Monday, November 2, 2015 6:30 o'clock p.m. NEW BUSINESS 7. Grant Opportunities Meyers asked if there is anyone that has been assigned to look at grant opportunities. Johnson indicated she was looking at grants in relation to Seven Nations Park but that she does not have anything to report yet. Edwards stated the key thing with the grants is to have a list of needs so that when a grant opportunity comes up, the City could apply for it. Meyers stated currently the Parks Commission is looking at obtaining a grant for soccer nets, volleyball nets, and installing an epoxy surface on the basketball court. Edwards suggested the committees start developing a list of items they would like to address so it would be easy to apply for the grants once they become available. Meyers stated that would be his way to go about it and perhaps focus on Crystal Bay Park for grant opportunities in 2016. Council Member Levang asked if Bederwood is a possibility for a soccer field. Meyers stated Bederwood is not a priority park for 2016 and that the committees should focus on the priority parks. Johnson asked if there is a need for soccer fields in the City. Meyers stated the fields at the school are booked solid most of the time and that these smaller soccer parks might fit a different demographic. Johnson asked if the soccer fields could be converted to skating rinks in the winter. Meyers stated the City has a few skating rinks but that they do not use the soccer fields since it can be hard on the grass and a water source has to be readily available. Lindahl asked if it would be better to do more than one park at a time if they are repaving or resurfacing something. Edwards stated in looking at the grants, if there is a theme to the improvements, it would be easier to package them together for the different parks. Edwards stated the repaving could be packaged together but that it is harder to apply for five different items that are not connected. S. Assignment of Focus Committee Leads Edwards stated he has put together a draft list of assignments and work plans for each of the parks. Edwards stated the Parks Commission may want to fill in the gaps. Edwards suggested the park lead Page 6 of 9 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday, November 2, 2015 6:30 o'clock p.m. come up with a plan over the winter for their assigned parks and then submit it to him by March so it can be approved. Park Lead CommitteeMember 1 ' Committee Member 2 French Creek Preserve Paul Pesek Rick Me ers B ce Johnson Livingston Tower Park Rick Meyers Summit Beach Jan Berg' Crystal Bay Park Sarah Lindahl Sandy Beach Jan Berg Rick Meyers Saga Hills Julie Ruegemer Brenda Johnson ' Seven Nations Brenda Johnson Bryce Johnson Trails Brenda Johnson Community Outreach Outside Funding Edwards noted a committee lead for community outreach and opportunities for outside funding is still needed, Meyers asked if anyone is interested in helping out on any of the committees. Meyers stated to his understanding Commissioner Bryce Johnson was interested in trails and that he would tentatively place him on that committee. Meyers stated he would be interested in all the parks and would be available to help out wherever needed. Edwards noted if there are more than three commissioners together at one time, it would be considered a public meeting and would require a public notice. Johnson noted under initiatives is community outreach and outside funding and that in her view that is kind of a subset of the trails. Edwards stated some of the items are overlapping and that the Parks Commission was looking at ways to accomplish that in a better way. '_Meyers stated the City has a number of beautiful parks and that they need to create more awareness of them and the amenities they offer. Meyers suggested the Parks Commission place more attention on the adopt-a-woodlot program. The following leads/committee members were added to the list: Community Outreach — Ruegemer (lead), Meyers and Pesek Seven Nations — Meyers, Bryce Johnson Trails — Bryce Johnson and Pesek Outside Funding — Pesek, Ruegemer and Bryce Johnson Crystal Bay — Pesek, Meyers Saga Hill — Pesek Sandy Beach — Meyers, Ruegemer Page 7 of 9 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK CO_Vh1+IISSION MEETING Monday, November 2, 2015 6:30 o'clock p.m. Meyers noted the leads would be responsible for coordinating the meeting and then reporting on what they have accomplished to the Parks Commission. 9. 2016 Meeting Calendar Edwards noted included in the Parks Commission packet is a preliminary meeting calendar for 2016 and that the Council will need to approve it. Edwards asked if the Parks Commission would like to stick to the 6:30 opening time. Edwards noted currently the Parks Commission meets every other month and that in the beginning they started the meetings at 7:00 p.m. Pesek stated he would prefer an earlier time. The Parks Commission discussed possible starting times for the meetings. It was the consensus of the Parks Commission to have the meetings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Edwards suggested scheduling the work sessions ahead of time on a set schedule. Edwards stated the work sessions could occur in February, April, June, August, and October. It was the consensus of the Parks Commission to schedule the work sessions from 1:00 to 3:00 the first Monday of every other month starting in February. Meyers stated having the work sessions in between the meetings works good. Meyers noted the Parks Commission does not necessarily have to hold the work session if there is nothing to discuss but that they should at least tentatively schedule them. 6. Commissioners' Updates, Continued Pesek distributed a typewritten report on French Creek. Pesek indicated he will mark the buckthorn trees with red tape so it is readily identifiable. Pesek recommended the following occur at French Creek: - Marking the remaining buckthorn trees with red tape. - Adding wildflowers such as milkweed and Joe Pye weed to attract butterflies and birds. - Designate French Creek as a wildlife sanctuary. - Erecting signage that dogs should be leashed - Screening the sewer buildings from the parking lot with large evergreen trees - Relocating the main French Creek sign on Old Crystal Bay Road so it is visible when driving from the north side as well as from the south side. - Installing four new 12" x 12" posts for the parking signs - Consult with the neighbors on every action that the City takes in the park. Meyers stated all the city -owned parks currently have signs stating that dogs must be on leashes. Meyers noted the prairie was neglected for ten years, which is part of the reason it looks the way it does and that it will take some time to restore it. Page 8 of 9 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMSSION MEETING Monday, November 2, 2015 6:30 o'clock p.m. NEW BUSINESS, CONTINUED It was the consensus of the Parks Commission to not hold a work session in December. ADJOURNMENT Johnson moved, Pesek seconded, to adjourn the Orono Parks Commission meeting at 8:28 p.m. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. ATTEST: Dick Meyers, Chair Page 9 of 9