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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-03-2017 Park Commision Minutes.=r,Cn 7 I MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, January 3, 2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. ROLL CALL The Orono Park Commission met on the above-mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Rick Meyers, Commissioners Jan Berg Bryce Johnson, C. Paul Pesek, and Julie Ruegemer. Representing Staff were Public Works Director/City Engineer Adam Edwards and Recorder Jackie Young. Park Commissioner Brenda Johnson arrived at 6:35 p.m. Council Member Elect Victoria Seal was present and Mayor Elect Dennis Walsh was present. Chair Meyers called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. NOVEMBER 7, 2016, PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Chair Meyers requested the minutes on Page 13 under Item No. 7 be corrected to reflect Navarre Park rather than Bederwood. Pesek moved, Ruegemer seconded, to approve the minutes of the November 7, 2016, Park Commission Meeting as submitted. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0, Berg Abstained. PRESENTATION 2. CROSS COUNTRY SKIING ON BIG ISLAND — RICK CARTER Rick Carter, Race Director from the Big Island and Back Race (BIAB), was present. Carter addressed the Orono Park Commission regarding a cross-country ski trail on Big island. Carter stated he and his wife for the past four years have run the Bird House Inn on Excelsior Bay and that their business tends to be busier in the summers than in the winters. Carter stated that prompted them to start the Big Island and Back ski event. The fourth public version of the event will be held this year, with over 200 participants anticipated to attend the event being held on January 28, 2017. Carter stated he and his wife are proposing that BIAB be allowed to create a temporary track on Big Island this year. Carter stated they would like to create a temporary groomed trail in the Orono Big Island Nature Park along existing trails for public use for as long as it lasts. Carter displayed pictures of the groomers creating the trails. Pesek asked how wide they make the trail. Carter stated they typically make the trail 10 or 15 feet wide on the lake but that they are proposing to make the trail on Big Island only one track wide, which would be designed to be a two-way trail with minimal signage. The trail around the island is 7.5 kilometers and the winners of the event typically will complete the course in approximately 30 minutes. Carter commented most of the people that are involved are simply there to have fun and that they do skiing and snowshoeing during the winter. Carter stated he spends a lot of time outdoors doing recreational activities around Big Island and that he thought it would be nice to have a trail on Big Island. Page 1 of 9 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, January 3, 2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. Carter stated while doing the grooming for the event, they could create a trail on Big Island to see how it would work. Carter stated if the test run works, the desired outcome would be for the City of Orono to purchase a groomer and maintain a trail using existing tracked vehicles already owned by the City. If the trail was determined to be low enough impact, Carter indicated it might be possible for the classic portion of the course to include a portion of Big Island. Carter stated currently two volunteers help groom the trail for them each year, with the group paying for their gas. Carter stated the money raised from the event is donated to the Freshwater Institute or the ICA Food Shelf and that through the years they have raised $28,000. Carter stated this year the event will be combined with a kite skiing event being sponsored by the Excelsior Brewing Company. Carter stated he typically does not see very many people on Big Island during the winter and that this would be a good way to showcase the island. Carter stated the trail would probably be good for two to three months. Meyers thanked Rick Carter for appearing before the Park Commission tonight. Meyers noted the event would go on as normal this year and that Mr. Carter is basically asking the City to consider allowing the BIAB to create a classic ski trail on Big Island to see what the impacts would be. Meyers stated in his view this would be a good activity for Big Island and would hopefully help to deter undesirable activities that occur periodically on Big Island. Meyers asked what the groomers do for a living and whether they own their own equipment. Carter indicated one of the gentlemen is retired and the other one is a coach and that they do own their own equipment. Meyers stated one option might be for the City to contract with the two gentlemen to create the trails at Lurton Park. Carter stated there would be no cost to the City for the trail the first time and that perhaps they could go with the contracting in the future. Carter stated if the trail worked out, they would like to keep a trail around the island as well as a trail to the island. Carter stated if they are going to actually do this, they will need more snow, but that they would plot a course and put it on a map for the City. Meyers stated he would be willing to go out there with Mr. Carter to plot out the trail. Bryce Johnson asked if this activity takes place at any other venue. Carter indicated it does not. Carter stated his dream from the beginning was to start up at Water Street, go a couple of blocks on the street, and then out on the lake. Carter stated that would take a lot of snow and more money, but that they are thinking about perhaps moving it up to the Commons at some point. Carter indicated he is not interested in looking for other opportunities at this time. Pesek stated he was involved with the Park Commission a number of years ago when the City acquired the park on Big Island and that he was not happy at the time the City acquired it because it would likely Page 2 of 9 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, January 3, 2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. not be used since someone needed a boat to access the island. Pesek stated in his view this is one of the best things that could happen to Big Island. Meyers stated Big Island is an Orono asset and that a trial run is a good idea. Meyers stated the trail would allow other people to enjoy the island. Ruegemer commented she would just want to make sure the island is protected environmentally while the skiers are out there. Ruegemer stated as long as the trail is narrow and the location of the trail does not go through any environmentally sensitive areas, she would not be opposed to it. Meyers stated the exact location of the trail can be worked out. Carter indicated they would be pretty much sticking to existing trails. Meyers noted Gear West has also offered the City the use of their groomer and that perhaps the City could contract with BIAB's groomer. Bryce Johnson stated the Park Commission also discussed cross-country skiing at Saga Hill. Meyers commented wintertime activities at some of the parks would be good for the City, especially if the costs to the City are minimal. Carter stated the majority of the skiers involved in their event are only out there one or two times a year and that they typically go out there with their family. Pesek asked what the brewery has to do with this. Carter indicated they are a sponsor of the event and that they allow their club to use their facility for registration and their party afterwards. Edwards stated Staff did review this request and could not come up with any reasons for not allowing the trail. Edwards stated it would be similar to maintaining a hiking trail in the summer. Edwards stated as long as the event does not take place on Big Island, an event permit would not be required. Staff's only concern is that once some trails are groomed, it could attract snowmobilers and partiers. Edwards noted snowmobiles are not allowed on Big Island currently. Meyers noted snowmobilers could go on Big Island whether there is a groomed trail or not. Meyers stated enforcement of the City's rules is a continual problem but that does not mean the City should not try new things. Edwards stated his suggestion would be that the Park Commission make a formal recommendation to the City Council. Meyers asked what Mr. Carter's time frame is for the trail. Carter stated the event is scheduled for January 28 and that they would like to be out there around January 21 to groom the trails. Page 3 of 9 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, January 3, 2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. It was the consensus of the Park Commission to recommend the City Council look into the possibility of allowing a test ski trail on Big Island. Edwards stated a number of years ago the City created some cross-country ski trails at the Orono Golf Course but there was not much interest in them and they were discontinued after a couple of years. Ruegemer asked who would be paying to create the trails this year. Carter indicated their group would pay for it. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 3. PARK COMMISSION COMPOSITION Meyers noted the Park Commission has discussed in the past having alternates to the Park Commission and that the City currently has two people who have expressed interest in being on the Park Commission. Meyers stated in his view it is a good idea to have some alternates to fill in for commissioners who are either sick or unable to attend a meeting. Berg stated she also knows of someone who would be interested in becoming involved with the parks. Pesek stated the main reason for an alternate is to substitute for someone who does not attend, which has not really been a problem. Meyers commented it is a great way to get more people involved. Berg stated alternates are important because they learn what is happening on the Park Commission and are able to step in when necessary. Meyers stated the alternates could also attend the work sessions. Edwards stated there is a precedent within the City for alternates since the Planning Commission utilizes alternates periodically. Edwards stated in order to add alternates to the Park Commission, it would require a code amendment and that he took the language from the Planning Commission, which reads as follows: "The Park Commission is composed of seven members, who serve staggered three-year terms. The Council may, by majority vote, appoint one or more alternate Park Commission members to serve when regular members are absent. 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." Berg noted she was absent for three to four months last year and that alternates would be nice to have Page 4 of 9 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, January 3, 2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. Brenda Johnson stated she cannot find any reason to be opposed to alternates but that there should be some expectations that they attend the workshops since it takes some time to become a fully functioning group. Meyers stated the alternates could participate in the workshops and perhaps serve on a committee. Pesek asked how many alternates there would be. Meyers indicated there would be two. Pesek commented it would be nice to have them involved on a committee. Bryce Johnson indicated he is in complete agreement and that it would allow the Park Commission to expand their ability to gain other opinions and views. Ruegemer stated it gets people involved, reaches out to the community, and it makes sense to say there is an expectation that they attend the workshops. Ruegemer stated the other expectation is that when there is an opening on the Commission, the alternates could then step up. Brenda Johnson stated at the intergenerational forum there were a number of young people particularly interested in trails and that it would be good to have someone to at least be part of an advisory group if they cannot be an alternate. Meyers commented the Park Commission has discussed outreach on a number of occasions and that this would be one way to do that. Meyers stated Rick Carter would be one possible alternate. Mayor -Elect Walsh asked if there are any expectations for attendance by the regular Park Commissioners. Meyers stated they have discussed that, and if someone volunteers to be on the Park Commission, there is a general expectation that they attend as many meetings and workshops as possible. Meyers stated the alternates would allow the Park Commission to be a little more flexible. Berg stated typically if someone misses three meetings, a commission should have the discretion to replace that person. Berg stated if someone does not call or show up, there is no point for that person to serve. Walsh stated the alternates would be a too] they can use to either fill in or replace someone who is not actively involved. Meyers noted these are appointed positions and that the City Council could take into consideration someone's attendance when appointing or re -appointing someone. Walsh stated he would prefer the Park Commission police themselves on attendance. Berg stated a code of conduct could be added. Page 5 of 9 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, January 3, 2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. Edwards stated the Planning Commission does not have a code of conduct. Edwards stated typically Planning Staff has reached out to a non -attending member to see whether they are still interested in serving or at the time of reappointment attendance could be a factor. Meyers stated the reappointment process could be partially based on attendance. Meyers moved, Brenda Johnson seconded, to recommend the City Council adopt the proposed code amendment as outlined in Section 22-32 to allow for one or more alternates to be appointed to the Park Commission. VOTE: Ayes 6, Nays 0. 4. 2017 PARK PRIORITIES AND PLAN UPDATES a. Saga Hill Meyers noted Saga Hill will be the Park Commission's number one priority park this year. Meyers stated a map has been created of the park. Edwards stated the maps for Saga Hill and Highwood Park have been included on the City's website under those parks and that he has also printed out some hard copies for the committees. Edwards stated he would like to bring the Park Supervisor out, along with the committee, to delineate the trees that they would like to see cleared. Once that is completed, the City could contract with someone to remove the trees if necessary. Meyers stated they are talking about improving the existing trail systems at the parks by removing the buckthorn as well as some trees to open the trails up. In addition, some work will need to be performed on the parking lot. Meyers noted Bolton & Menk has created a digital map of the trail system. Bryce Johnson stated they are probably looking at two signs for Saga Hill. Johnson stated the first sign, which would be an informational sign, can be done relatively quickly, but the historical map will take more time and can be incorporated later on a second sign. Meyers commented the signs at the parks help define the City's history and is a nice way to make people aware of the historical significance of the specific park. Edwards stated once the sign is laid out, the map can be included. Edwards suggested the Park Commission create a list of aspirations for the park before March so the Public Works Department will know exactly what the Park Commission would like to see done. Mayor -Elect Walsh noted Rich Anderson has volunteered his employees and equipment to help clear the trees. Edwards stated the Park Commission should define the scope of what needs to be done hopefully by March and then Staff can then look for volunteer resources or contract where necessary. Bryce Johnson noted the workshops have also been used periodically to have a site visit at a specific park and that perhaps the Park Commission could go out in February to define an initial scope of work for Saga. Page 6 of 9 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, January 3, 2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. Meyers commented the committee could also go out there prior to the February workshop and mark the trees that they would like to see removed. Brenda Johnson noted the Park Commission has already identified some prized trees they would like to maintain along with a park bench and trail. Edwards stated the existing trail system is depicted on the map. Bryce Johnson stated the plan was to take the existing trail around the perimeter and perhaps creating one new bisecting trail. b. Bederwood Bryce Johnson reported there is a fair amount of motorized vehicle activity occurring at Bederwood. Meyers stated snowmobile enforcement has always been a problem and that the City is limited in what they can do. Meyers stated the Water Patrol also is limited in what they can do. Bryce Johnson stated there are a number of no motorized vehicle signs that have been erected but that they tend to be ignored. Johnson stated there is also some storm damage at the far north end. Johnson stated most of the Park Commission's proposals for that park will need to wait until it is warmer but that it does not need major renovation. C. Highwood Meyers noted the Park Commission has not done much at Highwood. Ruegemer stated the main priority at Highwood is clearing out invasive species. Ruegemer noted her friend who volunteers at that park has been clearing out the buckthorn. Edwards stated the Sentence to Serve people could also assist with that project. Meyers concurred the STS group should be utilized at Highwood. Ruegemer commented Highwood is a pretty active park. Lydiard Beach Berg asked if the picnic tables at the various parks will be painted or replaced. Edwards indicated the Public Works Department has done both this past summer. Berg stated the fence has made a huge difference in stopping the snowmobilers coming up on Lydiard Beach but that there is still a lot of ice fishing that occurs down there at night. Berg stated perhaps the Police Department could make a trip down there periodically. Page 7 of 9 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, January 3, 2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. STAFF REPORTS 5. PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE Edwards reported the Public Works Department flooded the ice rink at Casco Point. Berg asked if there is anyone to determine how much that ice rink is used. Edwards indicated Staff does not count the number of people there but that they observe whether there are skate marks present. Edwards stated there have been skate marks so they have continued to flood that area in the winter. Ruegemer commented a skating rink at Crystal Bay would be more visible. Council Member Elect Victoria Seals stated she and her family went ice skating this weekend and that Casco Point is not a place that comes to mind since it is off the beaten path. Meyers commented ice rinks require a lot of work and that many of them are not lit, which limits when they can be used, and there are no warming houses. Meyers stated if the City is going to do it, he would like to have a warming house, lights, and a nice big rink. Ruegemer stated that could be done at Crystal Bay and that they need to have it in an area that is more readily visible to the public and not located in an isolated neighborhood. Edwards stated the ice rink at Hackberry was discontinued because Long Lake has a better facility a block away from there. Edwards stated the Casco Point ice rink requires little work except to flood the area periodically. Meyers commented it is not possible to have an ice rink on the lake given the changing ice conditions but that people who live on the lakes tend to create their own. Edwards reported on the following activities by the Public Works Department: • New fencing has been installed at Lurton along with the new information sign. • The permit system has started for Lurton Park. Fourteen paid permits have been issued. The City is charging $25 for residents and $40 for nonresidents. • Snow and ice removal has been performed at Old Crystal Bay, CSAH 6, Willow, and on the Kelley Loop trails. • Gate repair was performed at East Lake Street • Repaired ruts at Baldur Park • The Orono Golf Course has been winterized. Edwards noted Rick's, Jan's, and Sarah's terms end in March. Edwards stated if they are interested in continuing on the Park Commission, they should let him know. Edwards noted Julie's appointment expires in October. Berg indicated she would like to continue on the Park Commission. Page 8 of 9 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, January 3, 2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS 6. COMMISSIONERS' UPDATES Bryce Johnson asked if the City has purchased the sail structures for Lurton Park. Edwards indicated they have but that the structure itself needs to be anchored in concrete. Meyers stated the City should also hold a grand opening and special ribbon -cutting ceremony for that park once all the work is completed. Berg noted the work session is February 6 from 1:00 to 3:00. Meyers noted the February work session will be to finalize up the park priorities for 2017. Mayor Elect Walsh stated the Park Commission has done a great job of catching up with items at the various parks and that the City Council will continue to support them. Meyers thanked the Park Commissioners for all their hard work in 2016. ADJOURNMENT Bryce Johnson moved, Brenda Johnson seconded, to adjourn the Orono Park Commission meeting at 7:44 p.m. VOTE: Ayes 6, Nays 0. �V'S Rick Meye s, Cha r Page 9 of 9