HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-06-1991 Park Commission Minutes w .
MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON
AUGUST 6, 1��1
ROLL CALL
The Orono Park Commission met on the above date 4vith the
follo�ving members present : Park Commission Chair Richard Flint ,
and Park Commis� ion Members Susan Wilson, Phif Bradle}�, Bruce
Kokal and Alex Vongries. Les Kelley and Stephen )ohnston were
absent . The tollowing repre�ented the City staff : )ohn
Gerhardson, ,4ctina City Administrator arrived at 7: 30 p. m. , and
Teri Naab, City Recorder. Dick Flint called the meeting to order
at 7: 15 p. m.
( #1 & 2) APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Wilson noted that on Page 1 of the )une 3rd minutes, the
last word should be chanaed to backhoe, not backhole. Also on
Page 1 of those same minutes , the last sentence of the tirst
paragr�ph under "8ederwood F'ark Playground Equipment" , the
sentence should read "another vendor was a3ked to submit a bid,
ho�vever , they chose not to �ubmit the bid. "
It tivas moved by Wilson, seconded by Bradley to approve the
minute� of )une 3, 1���.31 with the changes noted above. Ayes 5,
nays U.
It was moved by 4Nilson, seconded by Kokal to approve the
minute� of �u1y 2 , 1��.31 with all corrections made which are noted
on the dratt copy. Ayes 5, nays U.
( #3) ORONO SEWER POND PROPERTY
Chairman Flint noted that this item involves the study ofi
the sewer pond property and what potentially the Park Commission
tivould like to see the property used for .
4Nilson noted that an appraisal had been done for the City
indicating a $275, OOU value. This appraisal does not break the
property into indi �:� idual lots for development . She noted there
are pictures in the appraisal report from 1�38� and noted how much
the property ha� chanaed since that time. Wilson explained there
is a pump station evithin the boundaries of the property and the
pump and the land �urrounding it are o�vned by Metro Waste. The
�ppraisal indicates there is a tota ! of 36. 7 acres, including the
pond, of �vhich 13. 75 is dry land. This propert}� is in a 2 acre
minimum zoning district . The City is in the process of restoring
the server pcnd to its natural state. Council wants a
recommendation firom the Park Commission as to �vhat they wish to
do yvi th the propert}�.
Chairman Flint displayed maps ofi aerials which he had gotten
from City Hall tivith conceptua ! layouts of single fiamily
development drawn in by �taff .
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����TE9 OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETINO HELD ON
AUGUST 6, 1991
ORONO SEWER POND PROPERTY cont.
�'i?son indicated that some of the p?ans shota the lines drawn
thrQugh lands not currently owne� by the City.
Chairman Flint noted that Plan #4 ( attache3 to the minutes
as Exhibit 4) would brir_g the road to the east edge of the pond
for access tc the r�ar sites. This plan would require filling to
meet tr.e 2 acre minimum.
Plan #5 (Exhibit 5) groposes to run the road behind the
sewer plant on a very narrow easement for the road.
Brad Peterson of 2160 Shevlin Drive questioned if the
"remark" notice on the map ir.dicated removal of the dike.
Wilson agreed that it did.
Chairman Flint explained Plan #6 (Exhibit 6) would bring �he
road to the east of the property.
Mr. Peterson noted that the City has been using portions of
this site fer dumping cf aspr.al�, debris, etc. and doubted very
much if it wauld pass any type �f s�il boring test for
bui ldabi lit�.=.
Chairman Flir_t e::p�ained that Plan #7 (Exhibit ?) is a copy
of a 194Q aerial and gives a feel far the confyguration of the
lar_d pricr to the sewer pond being built.
Mr. Peters;�n ncted that he recently read in the necvspaper
that the City is placing a moratorium an all lakeshore
development an3 asked how this ;aould a�fect this p�operty.
John Shardlow, of Dahlgren Shardlow and Uban, explained that
the City is currently l�oking at amendments to their shareland
regulations and is devel�pir�q a model ordinance to adopt in
ccoperatior ::ith the DPtR' s regulations. Orona wants to be more
restrictive than surrounding lal:eshore communities. Currently
the ordin:r;:� n��;: �vater mark (OHM) has r�ot been established for
�ertain lake� within Orona. If French Lake is indeed one of
�hcse lakes, then the City would look to the DNR for help ir
determining the�OHM)for that lake, which essentially affects the
sewer pcnd propert�f
�hai�.,.�... :ly^� ..�}�d D�a:: '#° ! E:.�.��i� 8 ; shoias a alan of the
facilities that has been chosen for the site .
Pl�n #i ( E�hibit 1) shot•�s proper+y ta the r.crth partly
developed *aith �utlo�s goin�r east/caest and north/south. There is
also a cu:.-de-sa� whi�r. connects from Fox Street.
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������� �� �HE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON
AUGUST 6, 1991
ORONO SEWER POND PROPERTY cont.
Mr. Shardlcz�. ir.dicated that he would like the Commission ta
give him some idea of what they would like to �ee fram him. Hs
noted that the accuracy on the soil informatian is not detailed,
and gerhags there was mare ir,formaticn in the appraisal .
Gerhardson noted that the am�unt of dumping the City has
placed thare amounts to about 200 yards or less and could easily
be removed.
Chairman Flint noted that with any gurchase agreement, seil
conditions would have to be explered.
Gerhardson noted that the City has already r.a� t��� soil
borings done on th� sita in ar.ticipation of the new fKcility
being built there. They wsre done on the tw� higher portions of
the praperty.
Bradley noted that he fir.d� it hard to be�ieve that anyone
wou13 pai• $?5, 40J t� live ne�:t to the noisy pump station
operation. Ha r.c�zd the day he was out there, +hey were checking
t:�� alternator and it wa� extremely loud.
Chairman F�int also noted that pericdically trucks visit the
si�e for inspecticns.
Gerharcison e::plained thase are smaller inspection vehicles
an3 on ccca�ion, larger trucl;s are cn tr.e site.
Era�.iey felt �hat thz appraisal c�;as not true or accurate.
Chairman Flint e::press�d his feelings and hopes to �ee a
passive-type park, perhaps one lot d2veloped ir. the lower corner,
parking to the south of �re p�nd, and a trail. to the north
leading to picnic sites. He noted that the other plans may
preserve the wetlands, b�:t da not offer the public any type of
access.
Mr. Shardlow eVplained if he were retained to do a study af
th� area he would prepare a summary of analysis showing problems
and opportuni�ies for the site. He felt the Commission needed
mare information to make any type of decisian and telt that
schematic sketches might help to see the overall pic�ure better.
Cr�airman Flint asked about the COJV of such service.
Mr. �hardlow felt it would take about 10 hours of time and
perhaps be between $300-50Q.
Vongriss questioned :rha� evactly they would get for their
mcney.
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������� �� THE ORONO �RRK COMMISSION ME�TIN� HELD ON
AUGUST 6, 1991
ORONO SEWER POND PROPERTY cont.
Mr. Shardl�w again noted the schemat�c layout�, summary of
analysis an� features on land with �imita�ions.
Bradlsy asked if soil boring results could be ir.corporat�d
within report as a look of feasibility for de:Telopment.
Chairman Flint asked about tying in the bik�/hike trail .
Vcngries ques�ioned why this would be considered when the
trail can gc tr.raugh the park that already exits in the area.
Wilson noted trat the }rail around the lake shauld be very
low-keyed, not a h�ghly used bike trail which would tend to deter
wi131if� in the area.
Chairman Flint noted that the current proposal for the
bike;hike trail is a 8' wide, bitumir.ous trail going two way.
Mr. Peterson felt that the Commission should look to the
City' s Comprehsnsive Management Plan fer direction on how to
de�:elop the property, as the CMP ir.�icates what Orono as a whole
war:ts.
Wilson expressed her desire to set as�de as much land as
�as�ible, an� to put little if anything t:�ere to protect the
wildlife in the area.
Vor:griss stat�d his apinicn as there is a park �,Tery close to
this pro�erty ard a?so lar�d which the County owns :tiThicr. could be
utili�ed bettEr for park area. He feels the progerty shauld
p�rhaps be developed as residential . By setting the land aside,
the City is basically s::�ending money, perhaps not on the type of
park Orono residents wish to see. He also felt that other City
parks were underutilize� and not appreciated much by the
resiclents so wY:y set aside more land ar.d tal;e off the ta:s roles.
H� felt that perhaps the Ccunty should be challenged to dc
s�mething with the property directly across from Noerenberg Park.
Eradley felt that a �tudy should be done. He also felt the
possibility exists to detour tha bike/hike trail througr. the
prcgerty. He felt that with pens3in� subdivisions in the area,
thera is less land available for habita�.
Kokal noted he felt unpreparsd at this point to make a
determination. He felt thGt there is plenty of land for
wildlife, and was not sure of the buildability of the property,
ths water :�uality. He likes the concept of walk areas and some
homes developea.
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MINUTES OF THE ORONO P�RK COMMISSION MEETINa H�L� ON
AUGUST 6, 1991
ORONO SEWER POND PROPERTY cont.
Chairmar� Flir.t prefers to see it keYt as a r.atural area, but
felt that all the �roperty is not needed to do so. He felt that
if the rity deve�op� the �rcperty, it can bs done ��itr. stricter
controls.
Mr. S�ardlow noted that this kind af discussion is why the
City needs a comprehensive park glan to loak at potential
development areas and determine what is needed now and in the
futurs. He feels a more comprehensive study should be done at
this time showing schematics for both passive park land and lav�
ta hig�er �ensity development. He noted that he could supply the
C�uncil with a quotation by their upcoming Manday meeting for the
additional items requests3.
Mr. Paterson asked if Mr. Shardlow could coordinate with ths
DNR in develapin� this data as tha pond is classified as
protected DNP, waters.
Chairman Flint asked Mr. Shardlow to indicate briefly some
of the projects he has worked on in the past for the City.
Mr. Shardloca note3 ths following: Comprehensive Management
Plan, z�nin� regulations, CMP amendment for the Highway 12
co�ridor, Navarre area redevelogment, and is currently werking on
Highway 22 alignment study and shoreland regulations.
It was moved by Chairman Flint, secanded by Eradley, that
Alex �Iongries c�ill present Mr. Shardlow' s proposal to Council ,
and to ask �he Council to approve expenditurss of $500-700 for
schematic plans Ayes 5, nays 0.
(#5) CITY PROPERTY
�ha�rmar. Flint noted that thi� issun has net been as
gressing as thz dollar figures are relativelf low compared to the
sewer ponu praperty.
Gerhardson questioned v�hether the�r would bs interested in
the property adjacent on Propect Avenue which is currently up for
sal� for $25 , 000. He noted that the neighbors ha��e indicated
they c�:�uld lik� a :.eighbonc���-type ball diamond since the one at
Hill School is no longer available. This would mean that it
wculd n�t meet little league standards.
Wilson wantsd to know if this proposal is more popular than
a tennis caurt and where did the idea of a ballfield come from.
She alsa felt that if a tennis court were installed, the adjacent
property would nct be necessary to purchase.
Crairman Flint felt a public hearing should be held te get
the neigh��rs' input.
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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING H�L� ON
AUGUST 6, 1941
CITY PROPERTY cont.
Kokal wanted to know which area thz baseball field would
cover.
Gerhardsan explained it would be in the location of the
storage shed.
Wilson suggested that Council be notified that the Park
Commission is ir�terested in the lancl for park purposes, but na
spe�ific use has been established and the Commission feels a
�ublic hearing would be in or�er.
Vongries stated his opinion that according to the rscent
survzy do.^.a cn park use in Qrono, the 1980 po�ition of na more
parks shoul3 be a3hernd tc as those already in e::ist�nce are not
being used tc their fullest capacity. He noted that ever�.�one is
jumping the gun by automatically assuming the land caill be used
far park gurposes and naw sgecific uses are being established.
(#4) BEDERWOOD PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT
Garhardson n�ted that the price just for the equipmen} is
$10, 3?0. 00. The City would have to go out and get bids on the
installation.
Chairman Flint asked about this being a Community project
with the Public Works staff helping to install .
Eradley as]:ed what the liability would be for the City if
�r.is were done.
Gerhardson nated that volunteers could not be use3 without
constar.t supervision because of the need to make the piay
squipment as safe as possib�e.
Kokal felt the bid is very exper.sive �or what we are get}ing
and war�ted at lea�t 3 bids t� choose from.
Gerhardson explained it is impossible to �o ta other
companias and get tha sxact same equipment, therefore it is very
hard to compare.
Eradley felt that there has to be more than one supplier of
playgrcund equiptrent.
Chairman Flint noted that Steve was going to find three bids
an installation which were provided.
Gerhardson noted he has two catalogs frorr s::ppliers which
the Commission can laak through and compare.
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MINUTE3 OF TH� ORONO ��RK COMMISSION M��T�N� ���� ��
AUGUST 6, 1991
BEDERWOOD PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT cont.
It was mcved by EradleY�, seconded by Wilson, to �able tr,�s
rr.attar pending the receipt of the catalogs to review the
different sugpliers. Ayes 5, nays 0.
(#7) COMMUNITY EDUCATION ADVISORY MEETING
Bradley r.�tsd that he went to ane af these meetings a
couple of years ag� ancl felt that it was a waste of time.
Wilson brought up the need to reappoint someone from the
Commission to cover community education functions as Kelley
is currently suffering from health problems and rilbert has
resigned.
Kokal volunteered to c�ntact Gary Larson of the Lit�le
League Association.
(#5) HIGHWAY 12
Gerhardson e::plained the City C�uncil ' s position on Highway
12. The �'oun�il wants Highway 12 tc be upgraded to a four-lane,
r:ot a �reeway, within the current corridcr.
�hairman Flint falt it would be a gcod idea to adopt a
resoluticn in support of the Council ' s position.
It was moved by Vangries, seconded by Koka3 , to e�press ta
the Council th� Park Commission' � endorsement of the City
positicn on Highway 22 corridor. Ayes 5, nays 0.
ATTENDANCE
Chairman Flir.t, at the request of another member, brought up
the fact that meetings h�ve been starting later and later, and
hopes everyone will make a better effort to be on time here on
�ut.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9: 35 p.m. The next scheduled
meeting for the Park Commission is scheduled for WEDNESDAY,
SEPTEMBER 4, 1991 at 7: 00 p.m.
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Richard Flint, Chair Person
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