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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-04-1991 Park Commission Minutes � . � ""`' MINIITES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING ` HELD MARCH 4, 1991 ATTENDANCE 7:10 P.M. - The Park Commission met on the above date with the following members present: Chairperson Dick Flint, Phil Bradley, Jim Gilbert, Lester Kelley, Stephen Johnston, and Alexander Vongries. John Gerhardson, Public Works Director represented the City staff. Absent were: Susan Wilson and Bruce Kokal. APPROVAL OF MINDTES - It was moved and seconded to approve the minutes of the February 4, 1991 Park Commission. The motion passed. PARR COI�IISSION APPOINTMENTS - Newly appointed member Stephen Johnston was welcomed. The City Council has reappointed Flint, Wilson and Gilbert. ORONO BASEBALL ASSOCIATION - ANNIIAL REVIEW OF BEDERWOOD PARK BASEBALL DIAMOND - Gary Larson reported that the OBA had complied with all of the City Council's mandates. A quality little league field has been built and maintained. The OBA has met with the Orono Lions who expressed willingness to use funds at their disposal to develop a ballfield at another, permanent site. The OBA will continue to meet with the School Board to develop a permanent ballfield on school property. In response to complaints by residents in the Bederwood Park neighborhood, Larson stated the following: * The scoreboard is set in concrete and is not removable in the of f-season. * The use of a hand-held amplifier to announce batting orders and players coming to bat does not constitute an "amp 1 i f ier system". * Vehicles are used on the park property only to unload and load groundskeeping equipment and for deliveries to the concession stand. * The 1991 season is scheduled to begin on May 4th with an ex�anded number of teams using the field Monday through Friday, from 4: 00 p.m. until dark, until the end of June. Thereafter, the field will be used less frequently for play- off games until mid-July. ' * The OBA believes that its use of Bederwood Park for little league games was approved through the 1993 season; Bederwood Park neighbors believe that such use will end in 1992 . 1 '` " MINIITES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION 1rIEETING HELD MARCH 4, 1991 ORONO BASEBALL ASSOCIATION - Cont. - * Funds are not available to make the improvements required to bring the concession stand into compliance with Department of Health standards for food preparation. Several Bederwood Park neighbors were present. Cherokee Ilse commented that the ballfield was well maintained last year and that the park was kept litter-free despite heavy use. She approved of on-going efforts to find another site but expressed displeasure about use of the field on Fridays and weekend mornings when the field was used for practice last season. Curt Levang complained about the number of cars in the park's lot and along the road during games (as many as 70 vehicles on occasion). Gary Connor deplored the damage to the park's grass by motor vehicles and asked that there be no use of the ballfield on holidays. Gary Larson expressed willingness to post a schedule of little league games, as requested by several neighbors. The Park Commission discussed the use of a hand-held amplified (or bull horn). It was moved by Bradley, seconded by Gilbert, to conclude that this violated the City Council 's prohibition against sound amplifiers. The use of a megaphone was suggested as an acceptable alternative. Ayes 5, nays l. Flint identified several issues that will have to be resolved at the April 1, 1991 meeting after reviewing the actions taken at the City Council's meeting of March 26, 1990, namely: 1. Was OBA use of the ballfield projected through 1992 or 1993? 2. Was approval for use four or five days a week, i.e. may the OBA use the ballfield on Fridays? 3. Is prohibitition against use of a hand-held amplifier consistent with the City Council' s wishes. A discussion ensued concerning financial committments the OBA might have to make in order to have a little league field on school property. Resolution of this question must await further input. BEDERWOOD PARR DEVELOPIKENT PROPOSAL - The Park Commission favors the installation of new playground equipment during the Spring of 1991 and a skating rink for the winter season. Other suggested improvements (including tennis courts) should be deferred. John Gerhardson was asked to obtain bids for playground equipment and skating rink and to present them to the Park Commission at its May 7, 1991 meeting. 2 . � ` � MINIITSS OF THE REGIILAR ORONO PARR COMMISSION MEETING HELD MARCH 4, 1991 LONG LARE JET SRI ORDINANCE - The DNR intends to propose State-wide legislation concerning personnal watercraft. They have requested that local agencies defer action until the State legislature has acted. MEETING WITH HENNEPIN COUNTY PARRS - Flint, Bradley and Gerhardson reported on their meeting with Doug Bryant, Superintendent of Hennepin County Parks and Jim White, one of the Commissioners. Both expressed interest in participating in the development of a bike/hike trail connecting Baker Park, the Luce Line Trail and Noerenberg Park. The estimated cost of a detached trail is $300,000, of which Hennepin County is expected to pay a major share. Hennepin Parks staff will put together a plan. It was moved by Bradley, seconded by Kelley, to have Mr. Flint inform the City Council of the discussions with Hennepin County Parks concerning development of a bike/hike trail along Old Crystal Bay Road. Ayes 6, nays 0. ADJOURNMENT 9:45 P.M. The regular Park Commission meeting was adjourned at 9 :45 p.m. The next meeting will be Monday, April 1, 1991 at 7:00 p.m. 3