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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-02-1992 Park Commission Minutes , • � � � , MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF JUNE 2, 1992 ATTENDANCE 7 : 13 P.M. The Park Commission met on the above date with the following members present : Chairperson Dick Flint , Susan Wilson, Phil Bradley, Alex Vongries , Sherokee Ilse , and Lili McMitlan . Robert Howells and Stephen Johnston were absent . The foilowing represented the City staff : John Gerhardson , Pubiic Works Director; Jeanne Mabusth, Building and Zoning Administrator; and Terf Naab, City Recorder. (#1 ) APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair Flint reported that Johnston asked that Page 9 , second to the last paragraph be changed to read , "He stated that the City should not expend funds on a ball field that allows limited potential uses . He would support compiete City funding of a ball field that serves multiple uses. " It was moved by Wilson , seconded by Bradley, to approve the m( nutes of the regular meeting of the Park Commission hefd on April 6 , 1992 , with the above noted amendment . Ayes 6, nays 0. (�2) 1992 WORK PLAN — PROGRESS REPORT Cha i r F i i nt reported that they are beh i nd schedu I-e on the f i rst quarter items to be completed . He asked if the grass has been cut at the sewer plant property. Gerhardson noted that some grass has been cut , but not around the dlke. Wilson stated that all the Public Works materials are still on slte and until that ls removed, there Is no point in cutting the grass. She asked that they not rush ahead with cutting back the Summac as it provides a cover for the wildlife. Chair Flint went on to the second and third quartar items, the feasibility study has been ordered for the bike/hike trail along Old Crystal Bay. Gerhardson stated that Item #6 on the agenda is a tentative schedule for the trail . He said a preliminary report should be completed by June 22nd and presented to Council for approval , then they will go out for bids on the specs and plans and order the easement documents to be drafted . Vongries asked if the schedule was realistic. 1 r . ' ' MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF JUNE 2, 1992 1992 WORK PLAN - PROGRESS REPORT - CONT. Gerhardson felt it was possible. He explained this is the process required to use MSA funds. He stated that once the bids have been received, the Park Commission would need to decide on the City' s financial participation in the project . He noted that part of the easement acquisition could be funded through MSA funds. Chair Flint suggested a special meeting of the Park Commission to review the preliminary report and asked if it would be appropriate to invite the County at that time. Gerhardson said he would have the City Engineer present the report to the Commission and felt it would be premature to invite the County to the meeting. The study will review both options and present a cost for both . Chair Flint continued with the next item on the list , which is the installation of Ag lime on East Long Lake Road. Gerhardson explained that Ag lime was placed on the lake side of the road from Spring Hill Road to the first curve, and it appears to be holding real well . Chair Flint went on to the next item, Bederwood piayground equipment . He reported the Council has approved the purchase. Gerhardson noted that a contractor will be grading the areas for the equipment and the ice rink. He said he would have the sub- committee review the areas prior to the grading . Chair Flint noted during the park tour, the Commission had questioned the area for the ice rink . He suggested they inciude Bradley with the sub-committee. Ilse asked if the City was able to save the 3� sales tax by prepaying. Gerhardson reported that the City' s policy is to not prepay, but there may be another way to save the sales tax. Chair Flint reviewed the next item, work with OBA and the School Board in planning for a recreationai complex. Ilse asked who is the contact with this group. Chair Fiint stated that Johnston is the current contact and felt Johnston could use an assistant . 2 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF JUNE 2, 1992 1992 WORK PLAN - PROGRESS REPORT - CONT. Wilson said she would volunteer as issues arose, but felt she was incapable to heip with the planning process. Chair Fiint asked when the preliminary grading is to occur for the site . Mabusth reported they are pianning for the Spring of 1993. Gerhardson noted the City was unaware that the Schooi District had rented the property out as farm land for this yesr and it is currently planted . Chair Flint pointed out that they do not have much money to proceed with a comprehensive park plan . Wilson reminded them that they do not have any plans for the Crystal Bay site. Chair Flint went to the next item, the sewer plant property. Wilson felt they needed a time frame for cleaning up the site, and then the area w( II need to be graded prior to public use. She suggested they change their work plan to reftect the time needed for cleaning up the site. Gerhardson noted he would inspect the property the foliowing day to see what progress has been made. Chair Flint suggested that Wilson periodically check with Gerhardson on the progress of the site. Chair Flint asked if the signs and benches have been ordered for the parks. Gerhardson reported that the signs have been ordered , but not the benches. (#3) ORGANIZATION OF PARK COMMISSION Chair Flint encouraged each Park Commission Member to get actively involved In one or two projects of interest . He stated that in his opinion that was the way progress on projects has been made in the past . He stated that little will be achieved if each Park Commission Member confines his/her participation merely to attending the monthly meetings. The City of Orono does not have a fuil time Parks staff . Gerhardson has many other responsibilities for the City. Thus, if the Park Commission is to make progress, Members must do it themselves. 3 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF JUNE 2, 1992 ORGANIZATION OF PARK COMMISSION - CONT. Vongries felt that the Commission puts too much pressure on Gerhardson to complete these projects, and reminded them that park issues are not the only area Gerhardson is involved with. Chair Flint stated that is a point well taken , but felt that the only way issues get resolved are through the efforts of the individual Park Commission members . Ilse said she felt that they worked as a team on the Bederwood equipment purchase with Gerhardson . Gerhardson stated that is the kind of help he needs from the Commission . McMillan felt it is a good idea to have sub-committees . Gerhardson indicated that the Council appreciates hearing directiy from the Commission on certain issues . McMillan suggested that sub-committees submit a report of their findings and recommendation to the Chair so it can be reported to the Councii . She stated that she has contacted Shirley Bonine, Hennepin County Parks, and has requested to be informed of issues involving Baker Park and Noerenberg Park . Mabusth stated that Bodeen would probably be willing to report directly to the Park Commission on upcoming projects . Ilse felt it would be a good idea to check with surrounding communities on upcoming projects and issues. Bradiey reported that the School District had organized a joint meeting of Park Commissions, but since the original meeting has not had another. Gerhardson reviewed a map compiled after the last joint meeting showing all pubiic facilities within those communities. Vongries reminded them that the Orono School District is not the oniy school district within Orono. McMillan sa( d she would like to review Council decision on park related matters. She was told to contact the City Clerk to be mailed the minutes of the meetings. Wilson stated that since the Park Plan has been put on hold , they shouid review the issue of overseeing the golf course. 4 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF JUNE 2, 1992 ORGANIZATION OF PARK COMMISSION - CONT. McMillan said it is one of Orono' s ( arger parks . Bradley suggested they piace the issue of the Park Plan and golf course on an upcoming agenda. Wilson asked what the Council does in terms of overseeing the golf course. Gerhardson said they treat it as an enterprise fund because the department has income that supports itself . He suggested the Park Commission read the Comprehensive Pian to get the Councii ' s opinion on the golf course. It was moved by Bradley , seconded by Wilson , to table ail discussion of the Park Plan and the golf course until another meeting . Ayes 6, nays 0. (#5C) BEDERWOOD PARK - LINDA WHITMAN, COMMENTS Chair Flint reported that he received a call from Whitman with complaints that snowmobilers are using Bederwood Park late at night . Gerhardson said that signs can be posted stating that motorized vehicles are not allowed at the park, which witl give the Police more authority to deal with the issue. Bradiey asked if there is a curfew for the Luce Line Trail . Iise said she thought Whitman had indicated that there is a curfew on the Trail . Gerhardson noted that general park hours are until 10:00 p.m. He suggested they post the hours now. Ilse suggested they contact Whitman to inform her of their actions and tell her that she must contact the Police for future violations. Gerhardson noted that they need that type of input from residents . Chair FI ( nt noted Whitman ' s other complaint was the outdoor toilets had been left . Gerhardson stated that the backs were removed in anticipation of pickup, but due to the early snow storm last year, they remained on the property. He did not think that would happen again . 5 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF JUNE 2, 1992 (#4) PARKS TOUR - COMMENTS Chair Flint invited comments on the tour . Wilson indicated that the parcel on Casco Point shouid be researched to find out possibilities for the property. McMillan said they had suggested monitoring the skating rinks for usage levels . She commented on the lack of basketball facilities . Chair Flint noted they had talked about the future development of the Highwood Nature Trail . Chair Flint suggested they contact the Director of Parks at Plymouth regarding short court basketball . Wilson and McMillan volunteered to contact the City of Plymouth and report at the next meeting . Wilson said they had discussed the possibility of a soccer field at Bederwood Park . Ilse asked if that would be in addition to the informal soccer field there now. Wilson noted that it would be the same site , but the area needed some upgrading . Gerhardson reported this area could be included with the other grading project for the site. Ilse noted that the children of the area have requested the soccer nets be in place during the summer months also. Chair Flint asked abou�t reactions of the neighbors to the MS Bikethon . Ilse said the only comments she heard were about the tent they had set up. She stated the MS group cleaned up the area very well . Chair Flint reported there were a number of conflicts between the bikers and joggers on the Luce Line Trail during the MS bike- a-thon . SUBDIVISIONS REVIEW: (#8A) 845 OLD LONG LAKE ROAD Mabusth explained that this is a two lot subdivision , dividing off a 2+ acre parcel of area where the existing buildings are. Chair Flint noted there is a conceptual trail along Old Long Lake Road . Gerhardson stated that the traffic volume on Old Long Lake Road supports a trail right on the right-of-way. 6 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF JUNE 2, 1992 845 OLD LONG LAKE ROAD - CONT. Chair Flint suggested they incorporate the bike trail easement with the drainage and utility easement and request money for park dedication. He noted they could use the same language as that for the Shadowood plat without the condition that says that nothing can be done with the area untii it connects to a trail of equal length on adjoining property. It was moved by Bradley, seconded by Wilson, to recommend incorporating the bike trail easement with the drainage and utility easement for the subdivision at 845 Old Long Lake Road, and to request payment for park dedication. Ayes 6, nays 0. (�8B) 3060 SIXTH AVENUE NORTH Mabusth expiained this is property west of Homestead Trail . Gerhardson noted the County proposes the trail along the right- of-way through this area. Vongries asked about access to the newly created lot . Mabusth explained that a prlvate drive will be installed to serve this parcei . She noted that the City is requesting an additional 7 ' for right-of-way, and the drainage and utility easement wouid extend 10' beyand that new right-of-way line. Chair Flint asked where the power poles are located along County Road 6. Gerhardson safd it appears , according to the map, they are located on the north side of the road. Chair Flint said they would want to be north of that utility easement i n that case. He noted he wou i d i f ke the County to rev i ew this proposal prior to making a recommendation. Mabusth asked if the Commission would like to review subdivision requests prior to the Councll granting preliminary approval . She felt that bike trails should be shown on the plat for the Council to review. Ilse suggested they make a recommendation, based on a sub- committee meeting with the County and determining what land will be needed. Chair Flint and Bradley volunteered to meet with the County to discuss this application. 7 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF JUNE 2, 1992 3060 SIXTH AVE N - CONT. Mabusth asked the Commission if they felt that where a trail easement is taken over an utility easement , that request should not be deducted from a cash payment for park dedication . She asked about Option A proposed by the County for the trail along Old Crystal Bay Road . Chair Flint concurred that the entire cash payment would be required when the trail easement is over an existing easement , but noted that Option A was different as it went outside that easement area. Mabusth reiterated that even when the easement is taken outside the utility easement , it would not impact the lot area or setback requirements . She noted that one would not be allowed to build in the easement area. Chair Flint stated that it would impact the requirements for a septic system. Wilson asked what happens when repairs are needed under the trail . Chair Flint stated the responsibility for the repairs to the utilities and the trail would be the responsibility of the utility company , except in the case of telephone poles . It was moved by Ilse , seconded by Wilson , to recommend the taking of whatever Iand is needed for a bike easement , and if not within the drainage and utility easement , request cash payment for Park Dedication . Ayes 6, nays 0 . Ilse asked to amend the motion to include , "subject to the recommendation of the sub-committee after their meeting with the County" . Wilson agreed to the amendment . (#8C) 3750 BAYSIDE ROAD Chair Flint explained that a bike trail is proposed along Stubbs Bay and then west along Caunty Road 84 . Mabusth explained that this is a two lot subdivision with Outlot C proposed to be combined with Lot C for lot area credit . Access will be achieved to Lot C through Landmark Drive and then through a private drive to avoid an additional driveway through the wetlands. Ilse felt that there is not enough area on the north side of Bayside Road for a bike trail . 8 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF JUNE 2, 1992 3750 BAYSIDE RD - CONT. Mabusth stated that the Burger property is very flat along the roadway, but further east the property gets very steep. It was moved by Vongries, seconded by Wilson , to recommend incorporating a bike easement within the drainage and utility easement and to request cash payment for Park Dedication for the subdivision at 3750 Bayside Road. Ayes 6, nays 0. Mabusth suggested that the Commission review subdivision applications prior to the Planning Commission review. Gerhardson suggested a Park Commission representative attend the Planning Commission meetings at which a subdivision request is reviewed. He noted he would send the Commission a copy of the Planning Commission agendas. (#8D) ORONO SPORTS ARENA Mabusth explained that the project is being proposed by the "Sports Recreational Facility Inc. Group" . The Group is proposing to acquire at least a 5 acre parcel from the Orono Schooi District at the northeast corner of the property. There is an existing piatted road that goes through the middle of the property. She noted that Park Dedication of land or funds was not taken at the time the property was divided to allow the School District to acquire the property. She stated the School District has asked that the Hockey Association pay for any dedication of land or park fees for this subdivision application. She explained that sewer and water would need to be extended to the property. There are two accesses proposed to the site from County Road 6, but the City intends to approve only one access because of safety reasons . She noted they are proposing both an indoor and outdoor rink. Mabusth noted that it is the Park Commission ' s duty to determine if land or money should be requested for Park Dedication . She noted that because of a recent bili , the Hockey Association wili be exempt from payment of real estate taxes . Wilson reminded them of their desire to extend a bike/hlke trail along County Road 6. Chair Flint reported that the Commission could recommend the taking of approximately 4 acres of land for park dedication because of the acreage of the overall parcel . He stated that trailways along County Road 6 and 01 d Crysta i Bay Road wou I d probab I y be under that allowed 4 acres. Mabusth reminded them that with the Shadowood plat , the bike trail was incorporated within the drainage and utility easement . 9 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF JUNE 2, 1992 ORONO SPORTS ARENA - CONT. Gerhardson stated that the City will receive a 10' wide drainage and utility easement along the perimeters of the property, which could be used also for the bike trail . Mabusth reviewed that the ball fields are shown to the west of the proposed hockey arena site. Chair Flint reiterated that the ball fields were originally proposed to be under a joint powers agreement . He felt that following the drainage and utility easement along County Road 6 may not be the most idea location. Mabusth said that the bike path could be along the interior platted roadway. She noted that the Commission should determine what they wish to do with the land in terms of open space and park land prior to development . She reviewed that the School District has determined a location within the parcei for a future elementary school and informal ball fields . Ilse asked about the proposed timing for the development of the property. Mabusth understood that the Hockey Group wished to start buiiding the Spring of 1993 to be completed by Fall of 1993. Gerhardson reviewed the pian submitted by the County for the bike trail along Old Crystal Bay Road. He noted that in some areas a 30' wide easement is requested for the trail in order to allow separation between the roadway and the trail . Wilson felt that it is more appealing to separate the trail from the roadway and felt they should request the additional easement . Chair Fiint noted that in some areas along County Road 6 the utility easement goes through a wooded area. Gerhardson noted that the feasibi I ity study for the trai I along Old Crystai Bay Road will address the issues related to both options proposed . Chair Flint noted that there are very deep ditches along County Road 6 and felt the trai I may need to be further in on the property to avoid these areas. Bradley asked if they would be dealing with both the School District and the Hockey Associatfon for land dedication. 10 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF JUNE 2, 1992 ORONO SPORTS ARENA - CONT. Mabusth explained that they would be dealing with the School District as the owner of the land, but the Hockey Association would file the conditional use permit for the proposed hockey arena and would be required by the School District to pay for any land to be dedicated for park use or payment of park fees. McMillan asked if there would be additional lots parceled off with the subdivision appiication . Mabusth explained that an existing platted interior roadway creates land divisions. She is aware of three different parcels that would be created with the subdivision. Chair Flint explained that they have decided to request easements for bike trails in lieu of land dedication to allow the owner of the property to use the easement area for required land area and required setbacks. Bradiey asked if the Ordinance permits the acquisltion of land through an easement and still require payment for park dedication. Chair Flint ciarified that the Ordinance refers to the acquisition of land or "an interest in the land" . Mabusth explained that in previous subdivisions adjacent to Highway 12 , the City has required an additional 10' for the road outlot to accommodate future bike trails. Chair Fllnt stated the reason for not requiring the total 4 acres for park land is the nature of the development . He noted he wouid like to see the proposed traiis drawn on the plans. Mabusth said the developer should stake the location of the proposed trail along County Road 6 at the different setbacks to ailow the Commission to review the area. Chafr Flint stated there are four aspects of the recommendation : 1 . North/south trail following Old Crystal Bay Road referred to as Option A; 2 . East/west trail south of the County Road 6 utility easement ; 3. Bike trail to follow the interior roadway; and 4. Joint powers agreement regarding the use of the basebaii field west of the proposed hockey arena. 11 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF JUNE 2, 1992 ORONO SPORTS ARENA - CONT. Vongr i es fe I t that a b i ke path a I ong both County Road 6 and the interior roadway may not be necessary and may destroy any possibility of future development of the property. He felt that everyone was being very conciliatory towards the Hockey Association. Mabusth disagreed and stated that the City did not feel that was the most desireable location for the hockey arena and the Hockey Association seemed to agree. Wilson asked if the interior roadway will continue through the property to the east when developed. Chair Flint said that if there is an interior roadway there ought to be a trail easement along it as it is a safer place for a trail than along the County Road . Bradiey asked if the easement along the interior roadway would be an additional 10' width . He stated that it would be logical to assume the interior roadway wouid be a low-speed road and it may be possible for it to exist with an extended shoulder for a bike trail . He asked if the access road off County Road 6 to the hockey site would be considered for extension to the frontage road along Highway 12 . Mabusth felt that probably wouid not happen because of extensive wetlands to the south , but explained that the Comprehensive Plan encourages an east/west road linking Oid Crystal Bay Road to Willow Drive. Wilson stated that it was hard to determine at this point whether both traiis would be necessary, but felt they should retain the option . Vongries felt that emphasis should be placed on the ball fields. It was moved by Bradley, seconded by Wilson , to recommend the following : 1 . North/south traii foilowing Old Crystal Bay Road referred to as Option A; 2 . East/west trail south of the County Road 6 utility easement ; 3. Bike trail to foltow the interior roadway; and 4. Joint powers agreement regarding the baseball field west of the proposed hockey arena. Ayes 6, nays 0. 12 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF JUNE 2, 1992 (#9) JULY MEETING DATE It was moved by Ilse, seconded by Bradley, to schedule the next meeting of the Park Commission for July 6, 1992. Ayes 6 , nays 0. ADJOURNMENT 10:02 P.M. It was moved by Ilse, seconded by Bradley, to adjourn the regular meeting of the Park Commission at 10:02 p.m. Ayes 6, nays 0. The next meeting will be Monday, July 6, 1992 at 7 :00 p.m. i � Richard Flint , Chafr Person 13