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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-13-1992 Park Commission Minutes . , . MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF FEBRUARY 13, 1992 ATTENDANCE 7 : 12 P.M. The Park Commission met on the above date with the following members present : Chairperson Dick Flint , Susan Wilson , Stephen Johnston , Sherokee Ilse and Phil Bradley. Alex Vongries was absent . The following represented the City staff : John Gerhardson , Public Works Director ; and Teri Naab , City Recorder . Gerhardson announced that Kokal had submitted his resignation from the Commission . Chair Flint informed the Commission that Les Kelly had died the previous week . He noted Kelly had served on the Commission for many years and asked the Commission to think of an appropriate memorial to Kelly. He suggested planting a garden or trees at the new city facility site as a memorial . Ilse suggested sending a letter to the editor of the Pioneer on behalf of the Commission expressing the Commission ' s sincere appreciation for Mr . Kelly ' s many years of dedication and service . It was moved by Bradley, seconded by Wilson , to recognize the many years of service given to the Commission by Les Kelly, and to direct a letter be sent to the Pioneer for publication stating the Commission ' s appreciation to him. Ayes 5 , nays 0 . (#1 ) APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Ilse , seconded by Wilson , to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Park Commission held on January 6 , 1992 . Ayes 4, nays 0. Johnston abstained as he was not in attendance . (#3) MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS BIKETHON - MAY 9, 1992 Tom Hessler , representative for the Multiple Sclerosis bikethon , was present . He explained the bikethon will be held May 9 , 1992 . It i s a 50 m i l e b i ke r i de . He stated they wou I d I i ke to use Summ i t Park as a rest stop for the bikers . This would entail the use of 2 tables , satellites and 6 volunteers . He noted there are about 1 , 000 riders, staggered at 10-12 miles apart . The hours of park usage would be appropriately 11 : 00 a.m. to 2 :00 p.m. He stated they would provide motorcycle escorts and emergency vehicles . Wilson noted concern about the bikers using Old Long Lake Road as it is very narrow and curved . Hessler explained the motorcycle escorts will be in charge of keeping the bikers to the side, especially in this area. 1 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF FEBRUARY 13, 1992 MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS BIKETHON - CONT. Ilse asked about the motorcycles on the Luce Line . Hessler noted they have been granted a speciai use permit . Chair Flint questioned Hessler about cieaning up the park area after use. Hessler noted that the vo ► unteers will clean up the area and leave it as clean if not cleaner when they leave. He stated they will provide their own dumpsters . Chair Flint asked if the park would be large enough to accommodate this size group. Gerhardson felt that was not a problem and noted the Police Department was more concerned with the traffic on Old Long Lake Road . Wilson felt they should consider closing the road to vehicular traffic. It was moved by Wilson , seconded by Bradley, to authorize the use of Summit Park for the Multiple Sclerosis Bikethon to be held on May 9 , 1992 . Ayes 5 , nays 0 . (#3) 1992 OBA SCHEDULE BEDERWOOD BALL DIAMOND (#4) REVIEW PLAN OF ORONO SCHOOL PROPERTY Gary Larson , OBA representative, was present . He stated there had not been complaints regarding the use of Bederwood Ball Diamond in ` the previous year . He reviewed the conceptual master plan for the property focated at the northwest corner of Old Crystal Bay Road North and County Road 6 . He stated that since the last review of the plan , the ice arena had been moved from the easterly area, further south , to facilitate a flatter area for the ball diamonds . Larson stated the Hockey Association has been made aware of the change and is currently reviewing the new site for feasibility. He noted access to the ball fields and ice arena would be from County Road 6 . Larson noted the School Board has approved the sale of the property to the Hockey Association , and because of a Joint Powers Agreement , would allow the OBA to use the land for ball fields without actual purchase of the property . He noted the Hockey Association currently has funding to purchase the property, put up boards and lights and purchase a zamboni . 2 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF FEBRUARY 13 , 1992 1992 OBA SCHEDULE - CONT. Johnston explained the entire plan and noted how many of the changes had occurred and why . He stated that bike trails could be incorporated within the plan . He pointed out that four bail fieids have been developed , two of which are partially within the eastern privately owned property, which would need to be requested as park dedication land when developed in the future. Larson noted that the School has purchased the eastern half of the property, which is important to the OBA as that is where the ball fields would be developed . W i I son asked i f there wou I d be enough I and f rom the park ded i cat i on request on the property to the east to develop a trail system. Johnston felt there would be enough land . Chair Flint noted that it is imperative to tie the bike trail to the trail to the east on the Shadowood Farms development . W i I son asked that the connect i ng t ra i I be shown on the master p I an . Larson stated that they are currently waiting for an approval from the Hockey Association on the new location for the ice arena. He explained they need to develop the cost of excavation of the ball fields . He pointed out they will be requesting funding from the Park Commission in the near future . Chair Flint felt it appropriate that a Joint Powers Agreement between the school district and the OBA be established . Johnston felt it appropriate for all four parties to enter into that agreement . Wilson asked about maintenance of the ball fields . Larson explained the OBA would be responsible for maintenance , and the school would be al � owed use of the ball fields during the day. Wilson suggested that surrounding communities within the school district be requested to contribute park dedication funds . Isle suggested they approach the Lions club . Larson noted they are interested in helping to fund the project . He stated the immediate need is a replacement for Bederwood Ball Diamond . Johnston asked if the fields would be irrigated . 3 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF FEBRUARY 13, 1992 1992 OBA SCHEDULE - CONT. Larson indicated they would be irrigated , with that issue being the most difficult to resolve . He did state that when the ice arena is built , the Hockey Association will be required to connect to municipal sewer and water , and at that point , the OBA may be able to connect to the municipal system. Chair Flint stated he was bothered by additional accesses on to County Road 6 . Johnston indicated separate accesses may not be necessary to serve both facilities . Larson advised that he would seek an estimate from the contractor working on the City facilities for the excavation of the fields . He stated they wou I d I i ke to be ab l e to p I ant the grass seed i n the spring of 1992 . Chair Flint asked if the fields would be ready for use for the 1993 season and Larson felt they could be ready. Larson announced a Joint Park Commission meeting to be held on February 25 , 1992 , which will be not-specific to this site , but rather cover an overall plan . Ilse felt that meeting could be used to present this proposal . Johnston observed it may be a year before the field has matured to a point of use and felt they could wait on development of the parking lot untit such time. He noted that the City requires commercial businesses to provide a paved parking lot and felt that the OBA may be required to provide a paved lot also. Chair Flint asked about the proposed future building for the school . Larson explained that is for long range planning , and will be realized only if the school district grows . He stated the school is preparing for a bond issue to be used for the general fund , which may provide funds for this project . Ilse asked if the cost could be estimated by the meeting of February 25th . Larson stated that when the ice arena was proposed for the site , the excavation cost was estimated at $36 ,000, which also involved footings for the building . 4 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF FEBRUARY 13, 1992 1992 OBA SCHEDULE — CONT. Johnston felt $30, 000 should cover the grading , seeding , irrigation and well costs . Chair Flint supported the plan and noted there was not a need to send onto Counci ) at this time for approval . It was moved by Ilse, seconded by Bradley, to approve the conceptual master plan as a joint effort between the school district , the Hockey Association , the OBA and the City of Orono, and to support the plan in any way possible . Ayes 5 , nays 0. Gerhardson reported that the Commission should inform the Council as soon as possible of the plan and the possible joint powers agreement . Larson advised the Commission to inform the Council to avoid any future surprises . He stated , if the plan is approved , the Hockey Association would need to get conditional use approval for their arena. Gerhardson suggested they inform the Council to find out how they stand on this project . Larson asked that both Bederwood Ball Diamond use and the conceptual master plan be reviewed at the same time . He noted Bederwood Ball Diamond would be used exactly as the previous year . Chair Flint pointed out that prior to review of the Bederwood issue, the neighbors had been notified and he suggested they do the same . Ilse agreed and felt the neighbors were excited to see progress towards the development of other fields . Wilson suggested a letter stating the ball schedule be sent to the neighbors in lieu of prior notification of review before the Commission . She suggested they be informed of the OBA' s proposed plan . Johnston felt it appropriate to request input from the neighbors prior to review. Chair Flint asked that Larson submit a letter of request for use of Bederwood Ball Diamond for the 1992 season , stating the schedule, which the City will send out to neighbors . He directed Johnston and Larson to attend the February 24th meeting of the Council to inform them of the conceptual master plan . 5 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF FEBRUARY 13, 1992 1992 OBA SCHEDULE - CONT. It was moved by Ilse , seconded by Wilson , to direct staff to send written notice to neighboring properties regarding the use of Bederwood Ball Diamond for the 1992 ball season . Ayes 5 , nays 0. Johnston agreed to try and attend the joint Park Commission meeting to be held February 25th . Ilse thanked Johnston and Loucks for all the time they have dedicated in the development of the master plan . Johnston suggested that when the plan is closer to being realized , the property owner of the parcel to the east shouid be informed of the City' s intent to request park dedication land , and of the overall plan . He felt the ball diamond lights may be an issue . Gerhardson indicated the Council may not approve ball diamond lights in a residential neighborhood . Ilse added that �arson should be informed of the MS Biketon , which will pass near Bederwood Park . She noted if the OBA has scheduled their opening tournament , their may be a traffic problem. (#5) PROGRESS REPORT BIKE/HIKE TRAIL PLAN OLD CRYSTA� BAY RD N Gerhardson noted he had talked to the County and they wished to set up a meeting on February 25th . Chair Flint noted he will be out of town that week , and suggested the meeting to be held the first week in March . (#6) 1992 WORK PLAN - AMENDED Gerhardson noted this was an informational item only. (#7 ) COUNCIL REPORT Chair Flint noted he attended the meeting of January 13th of the Council . He advised the Council seemed supportive of the proposal for the sewer plant property, but delayed action until the shoreland regulations have been adopted and the subdivision moratorium rescinded . Gerhardson noted the Planning Commission stated they do not want any portion of the property sold for development and felt the parcel should be retained as park land . Chair Flint informed the Commission that the Council authorized planning for use of this park for the 1992 season . 6 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF FEBRUARY 13, 1992 COUNCIL REPORT - CONT. Wilson feit the most important issue is to get the water level raised , and noted this should be done with professionai help. She suggested they wait with other improvements until they what that level will be in the spring . Bradley felt they could mow a path around the lagoon . Chair Flint agreed and added that Public Works would do the maintenance . Gerhardson suggested they also ensure that the parking area be in good shape. Wilson asked about the compost stored on site . She felt that cleaning up of the area was a high priority. Gerhardson noted the compost area will be taken care of . He stated that realistically the Public Works Department would still be using the property until late fall of 1992 . He suggested they consider hours the park would be open , and noted people probably would park by the gate at the entrance and walk back onto the property. Wilson felt the area would be more attractive when the Public Works Department was gone , and that would give a year for the water level to go up. Chair Flint noted he would like to see the area more accessible . Gerhardson advised they will start mowing the area and perhaps filling where needed . Chair Flint noted that many of the Sandy Beach neighbors were present at the Council meeting . He stated the Council adopted the Park Commission ' s recommendation . Chair Flint requested the Council to consider granting the use of the CDBG funds for the year for development of a comprehensive park plan . The Council agreed to consider . Gerhardson noted the public hearing has been scheduled for March 9 , 1992 . He noted there were other requests for nominal amounts from the usual requesting service agencies . The total amount of funds for the year is $26, 200 . Wilson asked if that would be enough for the entire plan . Johnston noted that it may be or funding may need to be requested the following year . 7 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF FEBRUARY 13, 1992 (#8) REVIEW OF PLAN FOR UPGRADE OF BEACHES, PARKS, ETC. - SIGNS Chair Flint asked if the Commission wished to table as Vongries was absent . Wilson asked if all the signs requested were in disrepair or new signs. Gerhardson noted it was a combination of the two. Johnston asked how the signs would be paid for . Gerhardson stated they would be paid for out of the maintenance budget . He stated he would like to get going on the name signs as they take quite a while for delivery. It was moved by Johnston, seconded by Isle, to approve purchase of as many of the proposed signs as the budget allows . Ayes 5 , nays 0 . Gerhardson advised the estimates provided may not be accurate. Wilson asked if there was a trail through the Highwood Nature Trail . She felt it looked overgrown . Gerhardson noted it was planned that way, and noted the City does not cut back the brush . Johnston felt it may be worthwhile to review the situation . (#9) DEVELOP PLAN FOR SEWER POND PROPERTY (NEW NAME) Chair Flint asked the Commission members to consider a name for the sewer pond property. (#10) CRYSTAL BAY PLAYGROUND Chair Flint reminded the Commission that the Crystal Bay park has been tabled and will be done in conjunction with the comprehensive park plan . (#11 ) OTHER ITEMS Johnston informed the Commission of a new law which became effect January 1 , 1992 that requires all playground equipment to be handicapped accessible . Gerhardson advised that he is awaiting a written opinion on the law and direction on how to proceed . 8 � �� . MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF FEBRUARY 13, 1992 OTHER ITEMS - CONT. Johnston explained Maple Grove has reviewed a cushioning device to facilitate the law and has determined it will cost the City approximately $2 , 000 ,000 to upgrade all their parks . He estimated sand to be at $ . 25 per s . f . and th i s product at $1 3 . 00 per s. f . He stated that it would cost approximately $25 , 000 to provide the necessary device under the $15 , 000 playground equipment for Bederwood Park . Gerhardson noted he intends to proceed as if the law is not in effect . Johnston stated they are also required to provide activity areas within the equipment for the handicapped . He asked if these issues should be addressed in the request for bids for playground equipment for Bederwood Park . Gerhardson noted the bids are ready to go out and he is just waiting for the written opinion . Chair Flint asked if the Commission members wanted to schedule a park tour . Gerhardson suggested that they do as there will be two new members , and some on the Commission have not been on tour . The meeting was set for May 5, 1992 at 6: 00 p.m. Gerhardson is to arrange for the use of the Westonka Seniors bus . ADJOURNMENT 9:50 P.M. It was moved by Wilson , seconded by Bradley, to adjourn the regular meeting of the Park Commission at 9 : 50 p .m. Ayes 5 , nays 0 . The next meeting will be Monday, March 2 , 1992 at 7 :00 p.m. in the Council Chambers . � • ichard Flint , Chair Person 9