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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-02-1992 Park Commission Minutes MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF MARCH 2, 1992 ATTENDANCE 7 :05 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 and Lili McMillan . Robert Howells was absent . The following represented the City staff : John Gerhardson , Public Works Director ; and Teri Naab, City Recorder . (#1 ) APPROVAL OF MINUTES Wilson clarified that the tour of the parks was to be held on May 5 , 1992 at 6:00 not on May 6th . It was moved by Wilson , seconded by Ilse, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Park Commission held on February 13 , 1992 , with the above noted amendment . Ayes 7 , nays 0 . (#2) WELCOME NEW MEMBER Chair Flint welcomed Lili McMillan and asked that she tell her background to the Commission . McMillan noted she was delighted to have the opportunity to serve Orono . She noted that she is involved in various sports and hopes to be able to promote recreational activity. Also, she indicated an interest in the study of birds which has lead to an appreciation of wildtife heritage and wishes to focus on preservation of what Orono has available. She stated she has worked as a commercial photographer and volunteered her skills to the Commission . She noted she is looking forward to working with all the Commission members , Council and staff . Gerhardson noted the other new member, Robert Howells, was unable to attend the meeting but will be at the next meeting . (#3) ORONO BASEBALL ASSOCIATION (OBA) USE OF BEDERWOOD BALL DIAMOND Chair Flint confirmed that a letter had been sent to the neighbors adjacent to Bederwood Park concerning the use of the park by the OBA. He noted they have received a letter from Gary Larson outlining in detail the use of the park for the coming season . 1 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF MARCH 2, 1992 OBA USE OF BEDERWOOD PARK - CONT. Gary Larson , OBA representative , was present . He indicated that since the last Commission meeting , the proposal for the hockey association to relocate the arena further westward had not met with approval . The hockey association felt the move would cost an additional $20 , 000 in grading . Larson stated that Neil Lawson , Orono schools, contacted him and indicated the School Board wished the arena to be located on the site as far eastward as possible, which was the original plan . He felt there would be an increase in grading costs for the ball fields, and noted that he and Gerhardson would be meeting with the contractor to obtain a base price for the work . Johnston noted he had attended the joint meeting of the park commissions and felt frustrated and angry upon leaving . He stated the hockey association was unwilling to work with the other organizations on any part of the plan and felt the information supplied by the hockey association ' s architect may have been misleading . He felt the cost of grading for the ball parks will be expensive, and noted the fields will be confined to 200 ' depth , which are adequate for little league but inadequate for any other league play. He noted that he would not be willing to spend City funds on ball fields with only one use. Vongries asked why the School Board felt the arena should be located eastward . He felt it should be determined what the best use of the property is and most affordabte way to use the property. Johnston explained that with the ball fields in the original site, there was no room for expansion of the fields . He also noted that the hockey association cited poor soils as the reason for the rejection of the plan . The unacceptable fill is 3 ' in the southwest corner of the proposed arena. He noted that with the hockey association ' s plan, the ball fields would be developed on property the School District currently has not purchased . Larson noted that Lawson stated that would not be a problem. Bradley suggested that the hockey association get the Planning Commission ' s opinion of their proposal . He stated the Commission may not approve of such use so near the residential property. Gerhardson noted he would set up a meeting between a representative of the hockey association , Planning Commission Chair Kelley, Chair Flint , Johnston and Gerhardson to discuss the proposal . Ilse suggested they include the hockey association ' s architect . 2 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF MARCH 2, 1992 OBA USE OF BEDERWOOD PARK - CONT. Larson explained there may be some urgency on the part of the hockey association to spend part of their money due to tax ramifications, and that may be their reason for the push to purchase the property and proceed . He also noted one reason for having the ball fields to the eastern portion of the property was to be able to tie into a possible future park on the residentiai property. Johnston felt it was more important to be able to construct the fields at a reasonable grading cost and able to construct fields that are adjustable to other leagues. Chair Flint asked for public comments . Curt Levang , 4010 Bayside Road , stated he appreciated OBA' s efforts in trying to find alternate sites for little league and was happy they were looking into fields that could be used by others . Ilse noted the residents from the neighborhood were excited about OBA' s commitment to future sites . She asked if there was a way to post the schedule , including the occasional games and asked when only one game is indicated , what time it would be played . Larson stated the schedule had been posted last year , but the occasional games were only practices and were not posted . Single games start between 6 :00 and 6 : 30 p.m. It was moved by Wilson , seconded by Bradley, to recommend approval of the request by the Orono Baseball Association for the use of Bederwood Ball Diamond for the 1992 season . Ayes 7 , nays 0 . Chair Flint thanked Larson for the excellent job he has done with the OBA. SUBDIVISIONS A. CLIFF OTTEN Gerhardson noted this is a subdivision of a lot line rearrangement . 3 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF MARCH 2, 1992 CLIFF OTTEN SUBDIVISION - CONT. Cliff Otten was present and explained he is proposing the rearrangement of the lot lines between Parcel A (market property) and Parcel B ( residential property) , and a subdivision of Parcel B and C as he wishes to sell the parcel with the existing residence . He explained there would be no change in use and the larger parcel is used for nursery stock . He explained the larger parcel currently has two tax identification numbers, so thereforF it really is not a creation of a new lot but merely a lot lir,� rearrangement . He stated that Parcel A (market property) would be reduced from 1 . 64 acres to 1 . 5 acres , but actually gains useable space. Otten explained that th�- larger parcel would be legally combined into one par�el after final approval . He explained that the larger parczl will be 16. 4 acres and Parcel B will be approximately 2 . 3 acres . He noted Mabusth supplied him with a copy �f the park dedication ordinance and he was unclear as to when he would be required to comply . Gerhardson stated this is in a two acre zoning district . Otten explained he started the subdivision process between the two larger parcels 18 months ago, but due to an incorrect title opinion , needed to go through the necessary paper work to clear up the documents with regards to Old County Road 6 . Gerhardson stated at th i s t i me he had no opt i ons for the Comm i ss i on to consider . Chair Flint felt this was a readjustment of lot lines . Johnston reminded the Commission that park dedication fees have not been paid for any of the land . He noted the intent of the ordinance entitles the City to 8% of the value or 8% of the land . He felt that if the 8% cash or land was not taken at this point , the chance may not occur again as Parcel C could be developed with one home without being required to pay park dedication . Otten stated that 8% of the valuation would make the lot line rearrangement not worth doing . Chair Flint informed the Commission that they would need to decide whether this application is a subdivision or merely a lot line rearrangement . He asked if it were necessary to request an easement for a bike trail along County Road 6 . 'Gerhardson reminded the Commission that property on the north side of County Road 6 is owned by Hennepin Parks , which could be used for trail . 4 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF MARCH 2, 1992 CLIFF OTTEN SUBDIVISION - CONT. Chair Flint noted that during consideration of the McCulley Road property, an easement was requested for a future bike trail to connect to County Road 6 . He explained to Otten that it was hoped that the trail proposed to connect Baker Park to the Luce Line could be developed through property owned by Otten directly north of Old Crystal Bay Road North . Ot ten commented that h i s w i fe i s opposed to mu I t i -use t ra i I s as she feels they do not work . They also feel that public trails should be located near highways to allow accessibility of emergency vehicles to the trail . Otten noted there are currently three existing lots as there are three different tax parcels. He stated that the subdivision process is used at this time to facilitate the lot line rearrangement . Otten reviewed that the original subdivision request only involved Parcel B and C and has been granted preliminary approval , but he had decided to hold up the process to incorporate Parcel A. Johnston suggested that the Planning Commission and Council be made aware that the Commission was given no advance warning of the need to decide on this application . Johnston pointed out that at the last Council meeting , they questioned whether the City had the right to request a specific portion of land through the park dedication process . Gerhardson felt it was a matter of negotiation . Johnston stated that most other cities dictate the portion of land they w i sh to rece i ve and wou I d have taken the b i ke t ra i I on the Otten property. Chair Flint clarified that Otten really is dividing the 2+ acre parcel with the existing residence from a larger parcel and therefore it is a subdivision . Gerhardson questioned that if park dedication is requested at this time, how is it limiting future Commissions . 5 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF MARCH 2, 1992 CLIFF OTTEN SUBDIVISION - CONT. Chair Flint agreed and noted that if the park dedication fee were collected today, it would be based upon current valuation rather than valuation at the time of future subdivision . Flint then reviewed the ordinance and point out it states that "any land which is further subdivided shall be subject to the requirement of the ordinance then in effect and credit shall be given for any charges previously imposed upon the land if the subdivider can prove the fees were previously paid" , and therefore additional money could be collected on a future subdivision . Johnston suggested a trade-off of land on another parcel to be used for bike trail in lieu of park dedication on this property, or a trade for park improvements. He suggested that the park dedication ordinance be amended to include Class I subdivisions . Chair Flint thought Class I subdivisions have been included within the park dedication ordinance and directed Gerhardson to review the original ordinance to find out exactly what type of subdivisions the ordinance pertains to. Bradley stated he was not convinced that it was fair to assess 8� of the valuation on agricultural land . He noted the intention of the park dedication fee was to pay for parks when use or need has increased because of an increase in population due to development in the area. Vongries point out that the assessor assigns a valuation , and each parcel will have a different allotment as they all have different uses . Gerhardson noted Parcel A is not a part of the consideration for park dedication fees . Johnston felt they should require park dedication for Parcel A also. Bradley felt assessing Parcel A was like assessing 8% sales tax to a property . Johnston stated that 8% of the valuation for the entire property would be approximately $25 , 000, and felt this would deter the applicant from continuing with the process but felt the City was entitled to the funds . Chair Flint suggested they exclude Parcel A. Johnston reminded they that Parcel A has never paid a park dedication and should pay now. 6 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF MARCH 2, 1992 CLIFF OTTEN SUBDIVISION — CONT. Chair Flint reviewed that if Parcel B and C were not being divided at this time, Parcel A would not be considered at ali for park dedication because it is merely a lot line rearrangement . Vongries noted the exclusion of Parcel A will not dramatically affect the City, but may deter the appiicant from continuing . However , he reminded them that they cannot consider the person requesting and noted they should consider the precedent they are setting . Chair Flint stated that Otten doesn ' t want to pay the park dedication fee at this time, the application could be changed to a lot line rearrangement . Johnston suggested they assign dedication for only 2 acres of the 14 acre parcel and collect the remainder at the time of a future subdivision of the property. Vongries felt they could not do that . Wilson stated she had a problem requesting so much money from someone who is not developing the land further. Johnston disagreed and stated they cannot distinguish between the two scenarios . Chair Flint felt park dedication should not be required for Parcel A. Johnston asked if the developer of Sugarwoods came in with a proposal to rearrange all lot lines , how the Commission felt about reassessing park dedication fees . Chair Flint felt they would not be charged additional money . It was moved by Johnston , seconded by Vongries , to recommend the application be considered as a subdivision for park dedication purposes, and to request payment of a park dedication fee in lieu of park land dedicated . It was moved by Bradley , seconded by Wilson , to amend the motion to clarify that the subdivision is between Parcel B and C. Ayes 3 , nays 4. Motion failed . The Commission voted on the original motion . Ayes 7 , nays 0 . 7 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF MARCH 2 , 1992 CLIFF OTTEN SUBDIVISION - CONT. It was moved by Ilse, seconded by Johnston , to recommend that if an utility easement is taken along County Road 6 , that a bike traii be added onto that easement . Ayes 7 , nays 0 . B ) ALBERT HANSER Gerhardson noted that this a five lot subdivision , with one existing residence . He suggested they consider a bike trail easement along the road . Johnston asked if the topography in that area would allow for a bike trail . Gerhardson noted he currently is applying for a conditional use permit to widen the shoulder in that area. Johnston asked if the railroad is expected to remain for a long time . Gerhardson noted it currently only serves the 3M plant in Hutchinson . Johnston stated that it may end up being abandoned and perhaps being used in the same manner as the Luce Line Trail . Bradley suggested they adopt as an operating policy the taking of an additional 10 ' for bike trails along roadways . Cha i r F I i nt exp I a i ned he t r i ed to get the Counc i I to ag ree w i t h that policy , but they felt each application should be reviewed . It was moved by Bradley , seconded by Ilse , to recommend payment of a park dedication fee for the subdivision proposal by Albert Hanser , and to request a 10 ' bike trail easement to be taken along the utility easement along Fox Street . Ayes 7 , nays 0 . (#4) PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT BEDERWOOD PARK Gerhardson passed out a legal opinion regarding ADA. He stated bids wil ) be opened on March 20th for playground equipment to be located at Bederwood Park . He stated the opinion suggests there will be no additional requirements for the equipment for 6 months to 1 year with regards to the new law. He explained there will be some requirements on accessibility , but noted modifications could be made later . Chair Flint suggested the sub-committee review the bids and return to the Commission with a recommendation . 8 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF MARCH 2, 1992 PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT BEDERWOOD PARK - CONT. Vongries noted he would not be able to participate with the sub- committee review. Johnston noted that at the joint meeting he was approached by Debbie Lewis regarding the fail soccer league, and requested that Bederwood Park be upgraded to allow for soccer play. He stated Lewis noted the field should be flatter and enlarged and was too rough to play on . Chair Flint suggested Gerhardson contact Ms . Lewis to discuss the possibilities . (#5) PARK NAME SEWER PLANT PROPERTY Wilson suggested French Lake Nature Preserve or Wetlands . Ilse felt using any name with "French" in would be too confusing with French park so near . She asked about Crystal Bay Nature Preserve . Johnston felt there may be confusion with the Crystal Bay Playground . Gerhardson suggested they check with the museum for suggestions . Wilson volunteered to research the possibilities . Vongries felt it more appropriate to call it a pond , not a nature preserve as that suggests someth i ng much more than what i s on s i te . McMillan suggested the name be specific to what the park is designated for . Wilson suggested they put up wood duck houses on the trees on the property. She also pointed out that there is a lot of trash at the site . Gerhardson expected the bituminous trash to be removed when the load limits were removed . Wilson noted the site was not appropriate for public use at this time . (#6) LETTER OF APPRECIATION LES KELLEY Chair Flint reminded the Commission that it was suggested at the last meeting that a letter of appreciation of Les Kelley be sent to the newspaper for publication . 9 r • MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF MARCH 2, 1992 LETTER OF APPRECIATION - CONT. Bradley explained that he felt the article would not have been finished immediately , so he focused on the letter instead . I I se stated that the art i c I e to the newspaper was st i I I a good i dea as it is important for the Community to see some sort of appreciation to Les Kelley from the City . Bradley suggested the Council adopt a resolution of appreciation at their next meeting . Chair Flint pointed out that it was suggested that a garden be planted at the new facility site in memory of Les Kelley . Gerhardson noted there will not be much area designated for such purposes . Vongries suggested planting something at the Navarre Park . (#7) JOINT MEETING REPORT Johnston informed the Commission that a presentation was given by Tim Urkula, Westwood Professional Services, regarding his involvement with Independent ' s park improvement project . He stated that Urku I a rea I i zed that th i s area i s d i fferent i n that sports are handled through small associations rather than cities or schools . Urkula realized that demographics were not available for review and offered to contract with the surrounding cities to provide them with the demographics of the area. Johnston felt that it was a good i dea to research the demograph i cs of the area, but fe I t i t could be done through a volunteer effort of all cities . Vongries reported that bike trails were also discussed , and it was determined that each individual Commission is establishing bike trails within their cities which are not connecting outside the city limits as the projects are not being coordinated with surrounding cities. Johnston noted meetings will be held four times a year with each city sending at least one representative to the meetings . Bradley stated that it has been a fight to get the school to assume responsibility for this project . Vongries stated that the development of the hockey/ball field site was dependent upon the passage of a bond referendum. 10 � , � • MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF MARCH 2, 1992 JOINT MEETING REPORT - CONT. Johnston noted the referendum would actually be used for repair and maintenance of existing facilities. Also, the school is not proposing any improvements to the hockey/bait field site, and any improvements to be made would be paid for through private organizations. Chair Fiint stated that OBA has let the Commission know they plan to request funding from Orono for the ball field. Bradley felt the school district is asking themselves at this time how much time and money they wish to commit to sports programs. He stated the trouble with private organizations running activities was the uncertainty of the future of the organization. ADJOURNMENT 10:05 P.M. It was moved by Bradley, seconded by Ilse, to adjourn the regular meeting of the Park Commission at 10:05 p.m. Ayes 7 , nays 0. The next meeting wiil be Monday, April 6, 1992 at 7 :00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. � �. -�- � t2��' Richard Fiint , Chair Person 11