HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-02-1991 Park Commission Minutes ,�''
NfINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMI4IISSION i�EET3i^aG
HELD�1991
ROLL CALL: � �` �
The Orono Park Commission met on the above date with the
following members present: Park Commission Chair Richard Flint,
and Park Commissi�n Members James Gilbert, Stephen ,7ohnston ,
Susan �9ilson , Phil Bradley, and Alex Vongries . Les K:�lley and
Bruce Kokal were absent. The following represented the ^ity
Staf f : City Recorder Schef f ler. Di_ck Flint ca lled. the mzeting
to order at 7 : 05 p.m�
APPROVAL OF MINOTES:
Park Commission mPmbers stated that they had not received a copy
of ths minutes from the June 3 , 1991 Park Commiss�.on meeting, and
that they wauld defer action on until their Aurust 6 � 1°91
meeting.
HENNEP3N COUN�Y PARK REPRESENTATIVES
DISCUSSION-TRAIL CONNECTING BAKER PARK TO LUCE LINE TRAIL�
Flint stated that from the time he first became involved ��ith the
Park Cornmission, they have been working toward the goa.l of a
trail connection b�tween Baker Park and the Luce Line Trail . The
Park Commission received authorization to approach the Hennep�n
County Parks to see if th�re was any interest on their part to
join in with the effarts to construct a trail connection. Flint
advised that there have been three r��eet;_ngs witti Orano Park
Commission members and Hennepin Parks representative. He saa_de
"�de have had excellent cooperatian and respons� fro� Hennepi.n
Parks and asked representatives to attend the meeting tP�is
evening so we could further discuss the various aspects of �'rie
trail . "
Flint introduced the representatives present on behalf of.
HennPpin Parks : I�ir. Jim White , Di_strict Representative to the
Hennepin Parks Board, P�r. Doug Bryant , Superintendent of Hennepin
Parks , Dale (or Del?? ) Mill.er� Land Acquis.itions Of�icer , and D�n
King� Chief Landscape Architect. Flint thanked. the gentlemen for
taking their time to attend the meeting � esper.�ally Doug Bryant �
who �•�as on vacation and drove from Iowa just to be present.
Don King stated that when representatives from the City of Orono
first approached representati.ves of Hennepin ParksF they
indicated that they would lzke to use Old Crystal Bay Road as the
means of connecting the Luce Line Trail to Baker Park. K�_ng
said, "LVe informed the City that we have had a connection on our
Regional Trail Plan for many years , but it was located more to
the west near the Painter ' s Creek corridor. VTe agreed to look at
the area south of Baker Park to see whether in fact a trail
corridor down Old Crysta_1 Bay Rc�ad would. satisfy the needs of the
Regional trail system. After investigating that area, we
determined that no matter ��hat corrid.or ar routing �ae choose ,
there will be certain problems and advantages to each. There
would be no more probJ_ems if_ we chose an ext�nsion alonq County
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♦
Road 6 , or the Painter ' s Creek corridor. FVe arr�_ved at
satisfaction on our own behalf that the Old Crystal Bay corridor
would adequately serve our needs , in that it would not only
provide a link from the Luce Line to Baker Park, but also to the
Orono School campus , and the more developed area of Orono. 69e
then began to look more at the aspect of acquisition, and were
just in the initial phases of that process at our _last meeting
sev�ral weeks ago. Subsequent to that meeting, Del Miller has
done a more detailed. investigation of the property awn�rship
along the Old Crystal Bay corridor. "
Del Miller dis�layed aerial maps of the �rea and gave a brief
orientation to the Park Cornmission as to what they were vie�aing.
He advised that there are immediate p.roblems with extending a
trail from Baker Pa.rk. A possibility for a portion of trail
would be to use Starkey Road, which branches o�f of County Road 6
and leads into Baker Park. Miller noted however, that on the day
he went out to view the area , Starkey Road. v�as under water. He
also noted tha.t there are marsh areas �n each side of it. D�iller
advised that Hennepin Parks is in the pracess of purchasing homes
in that area on a °`willing seller" basis . There are still five
homes privately owned. The area to the west also has a large
marsh area which would more than likely require an extensive
boardwalk to facilitate crossing. P4iller advi.sed that there
would �lso be problems with land acquisition and wetlands if the
trail were to continue in an easterly direction. Hennepin Parks
representatives are looking at the possibi]_ity of locating the
trail alang the east side of,�,Crystal Bay Road immediately south
r,�_'� of County Road 6 . Crossing County Road 6 , and the Burlington
Northern Rail.road tracks may also be problematic. MiJ_ler noted
that the existing rai.lroad bridge is sched.uled for replacement,
which will be advantageous to the trail project.
The next major problem with the trail , will be th� intersection
of Highway 12 and. Qld Crystal Bay Road. That intersection has
proven to be the best �_ntersection for the trail to cross High��ay
12 because of the traffic signals . The problem is that
properties on either side have an existing residential use.
Hennepin Parks ' preference to locate the trail alona, the east
side of Old Crystal Bay Road is based on the fact that pawer
poles are located in the ditch along the west side. There are
approximately the same number of residential properties that
would be involved ��ith the trail. regardless of an east or west
location.
Doug Bryant suggested gaining conceptual support for the project
from the Orono City Council , and. then determine a route. He
saido "If everyone supports the project, a develapment plan could
be prepared which would identify the exact location of the
proposed trail . ti9e could thQn determine what right-of-way areas
would be acqui_red by the City, and thase areas adjacent to Baker
Park that we would acquire. It will be necessary to meet with
personnel from the Rail.road, and the City will have to provide
information pertaining to its assistance with storm sewer,
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Construction of storm sewer would be done in conjunction with the
trail , but is something with which Hennepin Parks does not become
involved. "
Flint explained. that if there is support expressed this evening
on the part of the Park Commission, a recommendation to proceed
with the project would be forward.ed to the City Council .
Von�ries asked what the estimated costs for th�_s project wil_l be.
Jin Lahite replied� "t�7e estimate it v�ill cost apnraxiFnatel.y
$130 , 000 to construct an asphalt trail , eight feet ��ide - from
Baker Park to the Luce Line Trail . That does not accaunt for any
upgrades that will be done ins3_de the Park property. The
Hennepin County Park Board. has approved that and will pay that
portion of the costs . '°
Miller added, "That cost assumes that there will be a ribbon of
land that will not require substantial work. "
Johnston inquired as to vahether any consideration has b�en given
to an off-road trail corridor . He noted , in looking at the
aerial map, that there are several large, undivided parcels
between the Luce Lin� and Baker Park.
Bryant replied, "I am now speaking only from a Staff perspective ,
and not .for the Board or Commissioner 47hite. One of the things
that attac�s us is that we would like to someday have a trail
extending from Noerenberg Memorial Park to Baker Park. Fio��ever �
at this point we are trying to accomplish an objective that meets
the City ' s needs to ecor(�nically and efficiently provide a
connection from the Luce Line to Baker Park. If the the City
were to acquire needed right-of-way f_or an off-road trail , as
many cities do through the platting and park dedication process ,
I ��ould be surprised if our Board were not willing to work in
that direction. The difficulty in that is that, qiven the grocath
rate of the City of Orono, it �vould be many� many years before
the City could �cquire land through the platting process . That
would mean that the City would have to acquire the properties
outrirht, o�hich could be very castly. Property o�aners t�nd to be
concerned about the ramifications for future d.cveloprlent on�e
they dedicate a certain portion of their undeveloped property to
the City for a trail . The location proposed far the trail makes
good sense from a timing and economic standpaint, "
Miller added that though it mi.ght be possible to prepare a master
plan for an off-roa� trail to attempt to obtain a grant from the
Metropolitan Council , it �vou]_d be a much more extensive project.
He explain�d� "Hennepin Parks did not a.rbitrarily s�lect the
County Road 6/P•2cCulley Road alignment withaut considering other
options. The Burlington Northern track is a major barrier.
Also, without the street light, Higho�ay 12 wou].d be a. major
p.roblem. " He asked Don King what i_t would cost to construct a
railroad bridge that would. meet the required standards .
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King advised that it would cost approximately $250 , 000 to
construct a railroad bridge under the most desirable conditions .
Miller and Bryant agreed vaith Johnston that off-road, meandering
trails provide more aesthetic quality, but take more time and
money, and tend to be much more problematic to construct. Bryant
added that even though the trail may not have the most pleasing
aesthetic quality, it will bypass the future City facilities , the
library and the school . He stated that the City of Orono could
opt to construct a meandering trail sometime in the future.
3ohnston asked Bryant wh�ther the City could expect any financial
assistance from the Park Board with a meandering trail in the
future if the Park Board assists with the funding of the trail
connection to the Luce Line.
Bryant replied, "4�e get requests for assistance from many
municipalities. Our objective is to provide a trail connection
from the Luce Line to Baker Park , and we would like to do that as
quickly and economically as possible. �9e have to take into
consideration whether proposed trails meet our master plan
objectives . "
Miller advised that, in his opinion, it would be unlikely that
funds would be available to construct an off-road tra.il through
Orono, unless the City of Orono reimburses funds back to the Park
Board and/or P:etropolitan Council for the trail connection being
proposed. He said, "The trail connection we are proposing does
not meet all of the criteria for a Regional trail that the
P�etropolitan Council established. They are looking to provide
the big bones of the trail skeleton, and will leave it up to the
individual municipalities to provide connections to those main
trails . The Metropolitan Council would prefer to see an off-road
trail , but may see the Regional benefits af the trail connection
we are proposing. They are looking to use railroad right-of-v�ay
for future trails. "
Bryant informed the Park Commission that it is likely that the
Park Board vrill probably bear the cost af th� Lur_e Line/B�ker
Park connection. He added that out of a budget request to the
Metropolitan Council for $12 , OQ0 , 000 , the Park District may see
only $2 , 000 , 000 to $4 , 000 , 000 , and that is to pay for projects
that have been on their schedule for at least ten years .
Johnston asked how much land aquisition will be required in order
to construct the trail .
Miller replied� "If it is necessary to reta�n the section of
ditch along Old Crystal Bay Road for drainage , due to a lack of
storm sewer, then it may be necessary to aquire property outside
of the d�_tch area. If drainage can be handled and the trail can
exist in the d�tchr then we may only need to acquire land around
the intersection of Highway 12 and Old Crystal Bay Road� and near
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the Luce Line Trail , in order to provide access . "
Bryant suggested that the City may consider giving property
ov�ners a credit against future park dedication fees in exchange
for an easement for the trail .
Brad Peterson, 2160 Shevlin, asked whether the Park District
could assist with the City ' s efforts to have the south bypass
removed as an option for the Highway 12 corridor .
Jim 69hite stated that he , personally, has signed the petitions
that have been circulated by the "Save the Luce Line" group. He
said, "The Park Board would offer assistance in terms of anything
that may pose an env�_ronmental threat to the area . However , the
Board is involved with many municipalities �aithin Hennepin
County, and would be put in a difficult posit�_on if it took the
position of one city over that of another. "
Bryant concurred �aith V7hite, stating that it would not be
appropriate for Hennepin Parks to take a position on the location
of the Highway _l2 corridor. He added, "I am sure that any
proposed plan for the highway will be sent to us for review. If
the proposal has an environmental impact on Regional Park
facilities , then we would take a position. "
Flint asked, if it may be possible to have P;NDOT pay for the
portion of the trail vahere it v�ill cross Highway 12 .
Don King explained that financial participation on behalf of
MNDOT depends on timing. If construction of the trail has
already b�gun by the time MNDOT starts the Highway 12 project,
then they would probably assist �,�ith the costs .
It was moved by Bradley� seconded by 6�Jilson, to recommend that
Council approve the conceptual plan for a trail connecting the
Luce Line Trail with Baker Park. All voted aye. Motion carried.
White noted that Hennepin Parks is proposing some changes to
Noerenberg Park� mainly in the form of additional parking area
and fencing.
Bryant offered to have a representative from the Park District
appear beiore the Park Commission to show the plans for
Noerenberg Park. He informed the Park Commission that they
should be receiving an invitation to the Noerenberg Social , which
vaill be held July 25 , 1991 , from 6 : 00 p.m. to 8 � 30 p.m.
Flint again thanked Doug Bryant, Jim White, Del Dliller, and Don
King for -taking the time to �neet with the Park Commission.
Bryant asked Flint to inform him �ahen this matter would go before
the City Council , as he , and possibly Commissioner White , would
attend -that meeting as well .
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SE�7ER POND PROPERTY:
�7ilson informed the Park Commission that this matter had been
before the City Council , and that the City is in the process of
applying for a permit from the DNR to restore the water level of
the pond. She stated that Brad Peterson and Mike Ellis , (present
this evening) ��ere present at tne Counc�_1 Dleeting and piovided
information regarding the pond.
Brad Peterson distributed information regarding the sewer pond to
Park Commission members He explained that the pond has an "L"
designation , �vhich indicates that it is a protected water, and
gave a historical overvie�� of the pond and his involvement ��ith
it. He advised that in 1963 , the City constructed the seven acre
sewer pond in the middle of an existing wetland, and operated it
as such for 13 years . When the City hooked into the Metropolitan
waste system, they abandoned the pond. Beavers built homes in
the pond (actually within the manhole) , and over the past i3
years , it has been the beaver dams that have controlled the water
level . Peterson stated that when the pond went dry he began
trying to find out why. He learned that the City had removed the
beaver dam, drained the pond, and then began dumping yard waste
and Milfoil into the northern section of the pond area . Peterson
took this matter to the DNR and asked them whether it was
approprite for the C�.ty to drain the pond and use it as a dumpinq
ground, The DNR Hydrologist informed Peterson that the City
should not have drained the pond, and that they would have to
remove the yard wastes . The City must obtain a perm�_t from the
DNR in order to restore the level of the pond. Peterson said,
"There is some question as to the appropriate depth of water that
should be in the pond. I am here tonight asking the Park
Commission to recommend that the Milfoil , yard waste , and sno��
fencing be renoved� and that the water level in the pond be
restored to four feet. "
Vongries questioned the reason vahy the Park Commission was being
asked to review this issue. He indicated that it sPemed to be
more an issue for the City and the DNR to work out.
Flint advised that the sewer pond property is one of three sites
that the City Council had �sked the Park Commission to consider
for park areas. He stated that the Park Commission has not yet
made a recommendation to Council regarding the three sites .
Vongries said, "There are really only two options involved with
the sites we are being asked to consider. That is whether to
retain these properties for park areas , or to sell them to a
private party for future development. �•dith the sewer pond site
in particular, I cannot see what else we need to indicate. The
DL1R has told the City to remove what has been dumped there and
put the plug back in. There is already water in the pond. Are
�ae supposed to determine how much �vater should be in there?"
Brad Peterson indicated that the DNR has provided direction in
that they are requiring the City to remove the yard wastes and
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establish a water level for the pond. He said, "I am asking the
Park Commission to recommend a four foot water level . I have
done some extensive research on th�s , and, in ny opinion` four
feet would be adequat�. With respect to the entire sewer pond
property, I would like to see it established as a nature
conservation area . "
Bradley asked P1ike Ellis if he knows the size of �he parcel of
pro�erty owned by the City.
Eliis indicated that, at one time , the property ��as part of a
larger parcel , tha� �aas ap�rorimately 90 acres . He did not kno���
the si<.e of the parcel no�a owned by the City,
Flint said , "The Park Commission may not know the dispositzon af
the entire parcel , but those of us that have been out to the
propzrty seem to agree that the sewer pond, and immediate area
surrounding it, should be preserved as a natural area . I beJ_ieve
that action should be taken on that issue this evening so the
City is aware of our recommendation. I believe further study of
the entire parcel is required, and that it may be appropriate to
have a planni.ng consultant do that. "
Ellis noted that there is a drainage ditch on the pro�erty that
splits a potenti�l building site on the property from the pond.
The ditch runs east to ti�est and is located to the south of the
pond. Ellis stated that the ditch must be maintained.
Wilson said, "In my opinion, the g2ner�l concept that this
Cor,�misaion should consider is the protectian of op�n space and
wi]_d]_ife areas � The se�aer pond property was mor2 or less a gift.,
It is surrounded by v�etlands and marsh areasf and abuts French
Lake, which caters to Puddle Ducks . The sewer pond was man-made ,
but over the years has attracted amazing �•ai_ldlife. This is a
beautiful , natural area , �nd �_t is the sewer pond that ma�es it
unique. There are many communities spending exc�ssive amounts of
money to coristruct ��ildli_fe areas such as this . In my opinion,
this is one oi Orono ' s Targest attributes . ti°7e need �o restore
the water level ta a depth th�t r�i_ll attract the diving ducks .
Brad has been ��orking ���ith the DPdR on the c�ater )_evel ,. and h�s
recommended four feet. I have talk�d �aith a aentle�nan cr110 runs
the rdature Coriservancy ' s 6°�etlands Restoration in Heron LaJce. He
also recommends four feet. I strongJ_y urge everyone on this
Commission to recommend preservation of this area . We will never
get another opportunity like this . °
It was moved by Wilson, seconded by Bradley, to recommend. that
the level of the pond be restored to four feet, or to DNR
standards , and that the areG be converted as a nature preserve ,
upon further study by the Park Commission as to the most
beneficial in which that is to be accomplished. Gilbert
qu�stioned why the issue of water ]_evel is before the Park
Commission at all ii there has already been a directive fror� the
DNR. Gi]_bert ��as reluctant to vote in favor af the motion
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because he lacked the expertise to determine thu appropriate
water level . He added that he is unaware of ��hat it will take to
restore the pond and what the costs would be. He said, "��7ith
regard to designating the entire area as a nature preserve , I do
not believe we have enough accurate facts to make an intelligent
decision. We do not know the extent of the property owned by the
City. I am concerned about going on record as approving
something that may be extrenely cor.lpJ_�_c�te�. " Vongr�_es agreed,
addinr� that the property is vaivable iron more than just a nature
pres�rve �spect. He said, "Sale of this property cou)_d prov�_de
szgnificant revenues to be used for_ the new City facility. As �
understand it, there are s�veral ti�ays in which this property
could be div�ded, though � 've not received adea,uate inforrlation
on that. I an not prepared to m�ke a recor�mendation. " �ohnston
stated that regardless of what �ctian i.s taken on b�ha]_� of the
Park Commission , the City will be requzred by the DNR to restore
the pond area. He did not believe it was necessary for the Park
Commission to make a recomm�ndation. Flint also agreed that he
lacked the expertise to recommend Gn ad2quate water levPl for th�
pond, and had i.nsufficient information to determine how the
entire parcel should be utilized. He said, "It does se�m to me
that� conceptually, part of the property will make a nice
��ildlife area. I think that �ve shoulc� be �ble to say,
conceptually� without hav�_ng th� �ns�vers to al7_ of the questions ,
that �ae li..ke the pand and i_t should be preserved. " Brad_ley �sked
if there is any specific time frarte inva]_ved f_or respanding to
the water ievel issue. Nike Ellis informed BradlPy that the
level of the pon� is determined by rainfall for the most part.
The Park Commission could recomr►end four fee� , but th�re i.s no
guarantee that the level will r�ach th�zt point. Br�dley
suggested making a recominendation to Council urging �.hem to apply
to the DNR for the appropr�_ate per_nits to r�5to�e the pond,
leaviny asi.de the issue af lanc� develo�ment. He �dded that a
recortmendation could be made at a future �oint, when ti�� Pa.rk
Comnission is bettcr informed, reyardinr whether or not the
property should be retained by th� City or_ sold to a privat�
party.
�1i_lson ��aithdreG� her motion, and Bradley withc7rew his second.
It vaas moved by Wilson � seconded by Bradley, to recommend that
Council app_ly f�r a permit fror:� the Dr7R to restore the sewer pond
to an appropriate level . Al1 voted aye. P�otion carried.
�Vith regard to thc disposition of the �raperty, Johnston
recommen�ed that the Park Commission ask Council if they would be
wiiling to forego the potential procPeds from sell�.ng the
pro�erty. He said, "If_ Counr.z]_ indicates that the proceeds from
the sale of the property are necessary for the construction of
the ne�a City faciliti_es , then a recor:lmendation from the Park
Commission favorzng retention of the property for parlc use would
have no b�aring. The pond itsclf is protectec? and that v�ill not
change regardless of ��hether the property is o�•med by the City or
a pri.vate party. "
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Wilson stated that Council is asking the Park Commission for
their recommendation as to what they ��ould like to have done with
the property. She said, "I have spoken to Councilmembers Jabbour
and Callahan about this matter. They have indicated that the�
are interested in the proceeds from the property should it be
sold, but that they want our opinion. Brad Peterson has talked
with Mayor P�terson who has expressed intPrest in reserving the
property for a nature conservancy. "
Flint indicated tnat he c,�oul� prefer to take a proacti_ve, rather
than reactive approach to the pro�erty. He stated that he would
like the Planning Commission to have a plan for the way in �vhich
they would like the property to be developec� , rather than waiting
for a developer to approach the City.
Brad Peterson urged the Park Commission to follow the City ' s Land
Use program as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan.
Wilson sta�ed that it is likely that properties surroundinc� the
sewer pond property will come before the City in the near future
for subdivision approval . She suggested that the Park Commission
keep that in minc� and try ta plan ahead.
Flint noted that he has discussed the sale of the seti�er pond
�raperty with the City Administrator � P1ark Bernhardson. Flint
stated that Bernhardson has indi.cated that the proceeds fron the
sale of the sewer pond property will not be a determining factor
as to whether the City facilities are constructed.
Bradley suggested asking Council to autharize the Park Commission
to hire an �_ndependent planning consultant to study the sew�r
pond property. He said, "If Council has any qualms about
retaining the property, I doubt that they would authorize us to
spend money to study it. "
,7ohnston agreed with Bradley ' s suggestion.
Flint asked Johnston for his apinion as to the extent of the
study.
Johnston replied� "I thi.nk there ha� to be an assumed park
service boundary, and that the plannzng cansultant be asked to
address that area. He need.s to look at the entire area to
det�rmine whether or not a park is needed in this area . "
It was moved by ,3radley, seconded by Gilbert for purposes of
discussion, to usk Council for authorization to hire a planning
consultant to work w.ith Park Commission to determine feasibility
of converting the se��er pond property into a park area . The
study will include any surrounding properties that may be
subdivided in the near future. Bradley suggested also that it
may be possible to use the sevaer pond praperty to provide a trail
connection bet��een Noerenberg Par_k and the Luce Line . Flint
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suggested inc_luding the site of the existzng City facilities in
the study as weJ_l . Bradley stated that the extent of the study
could better be defined after Council has indicated whether they
��ill authorize the expenditure of funds for a planning
consultant, andr if so, whether they li.mit the amount of the
funds. All voted. a.ye. Dlotion carried.
Johnston questi�ned whether i_t would be more appropriate for the
Park Commission to recor.tmend hiring a specific consultant at a.
certain amount of money, or h�ve the Cauncil indicate how much
money they will allocate toward a specif�_c consultant. Johnston
estimated that it should cost approximately $2 . 000 to $3 , 000 to
hire a consultant to look at the sewer pond property.
Flint stated that hiring a ;.�onsultant that is familiar with the
City of Orono, such as John Shard_low, may result in a lower cost.
He asked Johnston if he cou7_d recommend any ather consulting
firms .
Johnson recommended Tim Erickila of Westwood Professional
Services , and the firm of Brower & Assoc.iates.
Flint asked if it would be appropriate to ask P1r. Erickila and a
representative f_ror� Bro���r & Associates to make a presentation ta
the Park Commission.
Johnston indicated that it �,�ould be appropriate if the Park
Commiss�_on were to undertake a Comprehensive Park Pl.an. He did
not believe that th2 firms ��aould expend the time and maney
involved ��ith preparing a presentation if they will only be asx�c�.
to address the sewer pond property.
Bradley suggested defining the specific task that the firris would
be asked to perform and have each i_ndicate their cost.
Johnston stated that he would prefer to have the Parl� Commission
undertake a Comprehensive Park Plan.
�9ilson stated that it would ta.ke an enarnous amount of the tine
to undertake a Comprehensive Park Plan , and that the C�_ty Council
is wa�_ting to have a recommendation regarding the s��,�er pond
property.
Flint advised that, according to the Ca_ty Administratar6 the City I
vaould not be in need. of th� funds from the se�ver pond site
immediately� and a decision �a retain or sell the property can be
made at a later time.
Johnston stressed the �_mpartance of havinc� a Comprehensive Park I
Plan so that the City can take a, proactive , as opposed to
reactive� approach to maintaining open space far parks and bike I
trails . �
It �vas moved by Johnston , seconded by Bradley, to request funding
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from the City Council to complete a Comprehensive Park Plan. If
Council approves the funding request, the Park Commission will
send Request for Proposals to the appropriate consulting firms .
Vongries noted that ten years ago a park study vaas completed by
an outside consulting firm. The study determined that no
additional parks were needed in the Orono area . Vongries said,
"It is my personal feeling that this City does not need to expend
money for more park areas . The parks in this community are
underutilized. I think the first thing ��e need to determine is
whether the Park Commission, as a whole, agrees with that.
Bradley agreed with the general premise of Vongries ' opinion, but
believed that things have changed over the past ten years . Bike
trails were not as desired then. He said, "The issue of
Bederwood Park and the Orono Baseball Association indicates that
there is a rising population of younger children and a need to
provide facilities for organized sports. I think the
demographics in this area are changing. Though I agree with
Steve that a Comprehensive Park Plan may be beneficial , I believe
we should start on a small scale ���ith just the sewer por�d site.
6�e may gain some experience in dealing with planners and how that
system works . Flint agreed with Bradley. Johnston also agreed
that starting with a small project may have it benefits . He
stated that he v�ould not look at a Comprehensive Park Plan for
the purpose of defining additional parks , but more for
identifying areas for future bike and park trails . Gi_lbert asked
Johnston if he could estimate the cost of a Comprehensive Park
Plan. Johnston indicated that such a plan could cost anywhere
from $20 , 000 to $30 , 000. Gilbert indicated that it v�as his
understanding, when the issue of a Comprehensive Park P1an was
last discussed; that the Park Comnission had reached a firm
decision not to spend that much money. He preferred to proceed
with a study for the sewer pond property only.
Johnston withdrew his motion, Bradley withdrew his second.
Johnston asked to have th� issue of the Comprehensive Park Plan
put on the agenda for the next Park Commission meeting.
It was the consensus of the Park Commission to have Johnston
draft a simple Request for Proposal to send to three planning
consultant firms . Once the Requests for Proposal are received,
the candidates will be asked to appear at the next Park
Commission meeting. Flint �_ndicated that he �,�ould update the
Council about the Park Commission ' s wishes to hire a consultant
at a fee of approximately $2 , 000 to $3 , 000 to study the sewer
pond property.
OTHER
Gilbert announced his resignation from the Park Comriission. He
indicated that though he has enjoyed serving on the Park
Commission for the past three years , his law practice, and other
aspects of his profession, have increased to a point where he no
longer feels he can give all the Park Commission deserves .
Flint accepted Gilbert ' s resignation, and thanked him for his
- 11 -
time and effort.
ADJOORNMENT:
It was moved by Flint, seconded by Bradley, to adjourn the Park
Commission meeting. All voted aye. Motion carried, and at 9 : 55
p.m. , the meeting adjourned.
NEXT SCHEDULED MEETING:
The next scheduled meeting for the Orono Park Commission will be
Tuesday, August 6 , 1991 at 7 : 00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Laurie K. Scheffler
City Recorder
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To: Park Commission Chair Richard Flint and Park Commission
From: John R. Gerhardson, Public Works Director
Date: June 26, 1991
Subject: Bederwood. Park Playground Equipment Purchase
On June 3, 1991 the Park Commission tabled the purchasE and
installation of the playground equipment bid for Bederwood Park
due to concerns of the bidding process.
An option that was not �iscussed was the City purchasing the
playground equipment only and then accepting quotes for the
installation. This would allow the City to get the equipment
they want without any concerns of competitive bidding. The cost
of the playground equipment only is as follows:
1 - Model 8950 Play Structure @ $9020 $ 9, 020
2 - Model 8438421 Spring Riders @ 380 760
2 - Model 8424300 Superscoop-diggers @ 295 590
$10, 370
lsv