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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-06-1992 Park Commission Minutes � • , 4 , � MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF JULY 6, 1992 ATTENDANCE 7 :08 P.M. The Park Commission met on the above date with the following members present : Chairperson Dick Flint , Susan Wilson , Alex Vongries , Sherokee Ilse, and Lili McMillan . Robert Howells, Phil Bradley and Stephen Johnston were absent . The following represented the City staff : John Gerhardson , Public Works Director ; and Glenn Cook , City Engineer . Mary Butler and Gabriel Jabbour were present to represent the Council . (#1 ) APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of June 2 , 1992 were not approved as the Commission did not have time to review the minutes. (#2) BIKE HIKE TRAIL REPORT - CITY ENGINEER Gerhardson introduced Glenn Cook , City Engineer . Cook reviewed the proposed trail . He stated they used a 6 foot width for the trail along County Road 6 to estimate the cost . Wilson asked if the trail would be separated from the roadway. Cook explained that along Old Crystal Bay Road the roadway is 12 from the center line to the edge . There currently is an 8 gravel shoulder . They are proposing a 19 street section with curb and gutter . The ditch would be filled in and the trail would be built aver the ditch area. There would be a grassed buffer between the paved road and the trail . He explained on County Road 6 , the best choice may be adjoining the roadway because of the cost . He said he understood the trail along County Road 6 to be temporary. Chair Flint felt that was a misunderstanding of the Hennepin County Parks ' position . They indicated that the trail west of Homestead Trail would be temporary until they acquired the remaining private land in that area. Cook stated that the area between Old Crystal Bay Road and Homestead Trail along the north side of County Road 6 is a very difficult area to build a trail due to the steep topography. He said since the pathway is to be permanent along County Road 6 , it would be best to construct a detached trail . Cook noted with the option described along Old Crystal Bay Road , storm sewer would need to be installed to carry the drainage currently carried by the ditch . He added temporary easements would need to be secured for construction of this type of trail . 1 . , . � MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF JULY 6, 1992 BIKE/HIKE TRAIL REPORT - CONT. Vongries asked the criteria for establishing the "green area" on the map. Cook said that Hennepin County established those areas . Chair Flint said it was because of the configuration of the existing buildings on the property. He said at a public informational meeting , the residents along the proposed trailway did not provide much input on the proposat . Gerhardson stated that some residents did express concern about the trail running across their property too close to the house. Vongries expressed concern about changing from one type of trail to another. Butler said it is not uncommon to change types of trail . Chair Flint noted that the entire trail should be 8 foot wide. He added that along County Road 6, if the pavement is just widened , that area would be a 6 foot wide trail , but in his opinion a trail on the shoulder of County Road 6 would be too dangerous . The trail along County Road 6 also needed to be separated from the roadway. Cook added that the many mature plantings may have to be removed if the trail is located on the Old Crystal Bay Road right-of-way . He noted that replacement plantings will be much smaller , younger trees. This could be avoided if the trail were built on private land beyond the trees , which are mostly on the right-of-way. Chair Flint stated there is $45 ,000 estimated for removal of mature trees and replacements along the entire trail for the option that follows the right-of-way. He felt that it would be best to follow the existing right-of-way unless adjacent property owners wanted to grant an easement to allow the trail to be removed from the right-of-way. Gerhardson asked if the cost for the trail along County Road 6 has been separated out from the entire cost . Cook said there will be additional dollars included in the cost of the trail along County Road 6 on his revised plan which will show a separated trail . Chair Flint asked if that section will qualify for MSA funding . Gerhardson noted that Hennepin County planned to pay for that section of the trail . 2 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF JULY 6, 1992 BIKE/HIKE TRAIL REPORT - CONT. Jabbour asked about connecting the trail to the newly proposed park at the old sewer pond site . Chair Flint noted that planning for the trail south of the Luce Line would be the next step. He asked Gerhardson about the feasibility of running the trail through the wooded area on the City facility property. Gerhardson said that it would require a lot of tree removal . The trees go all the way to the parking lot for the facility . There would be less destruction to the trees if the trail stayed within the right-of-way in that section . Chair Flint felt that because County Road 6 is wider and more traveled the trail should be further off the right-of-way than on Old Crystal Bay Road . He suggested Cook discuss the trail along County Road 6 with the County as they have studied the area. Wilson asked about the cost of the trail . Chair Flint said the estimated cost is $68,000 over the MSA fundings , which the County may be willing to pay. The County has been willing to pay $200,000, not including the cost within Baker Park . Butler asked how the schools sewer and water works into this project . Chair Flint explained that trail will �e directly over the area where the sewer and water pipes will run on Old Crystal Bay Road , and since the area woul � be disturbed to construct the trail , the water an� sewer could be provided at the same time . It is not essent � al to the trail , but would end up saving money in the long run . Butler stated there is a question of additional capacity of the sewer line , and noted she would not agree to anyone spending money without being assured that the additional service will be allowed in the future and the service will be needed within the life time of the pipe. She suggested the Park Commission not get into a discussion on providing municipal services . She added that the school may never realize the need to build additional facilities . Cha i r F I i nt sa i d that the cost of the t ra i I i nc I udes more than j ust the trail , and the more that can be eliminated , the easier it will be to get approval . He suggested making the municipal services an option . 3 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF JULY 6, 1992 BIKE/HIKE TRAIL REPORT - CONT. Cook stated an issue with Option A is the right-of-way. Six acres of land would need to be acquired . He noted Option B wiil not require land acquisition . Chair Flint suggested Cook make the changes indicated and the Park Commission will review it again at their August meeting. Butler suggested revising the schedule because of the month delay before the revised plan is to be considered by the Park Commission . Ilse hoped they would do everything they could to save the trees. McMillan asked about the feeling with regards to "curb appeal " . Ilse said people may feel the City is trying to urbanize the area. She felt that it may be a safety factor . Chair Flint noted it has to be installed to get the MSA funding . Butler noted that in past situations, residents have opposed the installation of curbs and sidewalks , but later realized the need for them. It was moved by Ilse , seconded by McMillan , to direct the City Engineer to revise the proposal per the comments presented and present to the Park Commission at the August meeting . Ayes 5 , nays 0 . Vongries stated that Option A will cost less according to the estimate, but does not include land acquisition . He felt that a dollar amount should be included to make the estimate more realistic . Cook stated that may set a standard they usually do not state a cost for land acquisition since that may suggest a minimum price that the City will pay. Vongries felt they should consider the trail as within the right- of-way f rom beg i nn i ng to end , un I ess the ad j acent I and owner of fers additional land for the trail . Chair FI int stated that he felt most people along the trai I favored the existing right-of-way for the trail , but felt that both options should be presented so that those who were willing to grant an easement along their property to protect the trees could do so. 4 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF JULY 6, 1992 BIKE/HIKE TRAIL REPORT - CONT. Cook noted that under Option A, storm sewer is not provided the entire length of the trail . The roadway wouid change from urban to rural sections . He noted that a couple residents in the area are opposed to the curb and gutter . Gerhardson noted that for some properties , to deviate the trail from the right-of-way may mean the trail would encroach the septic system. Vongries felt the curb would not be that much of a problem. Gerhardson offered to meet anyone interested on the site. Chair Flint asked Cook to add variations of Option A with the price for those variations. Wilson requested that the Park Commission Members be given at least five days to review Cooks report prior to the next meeting . (#3) PARK PLANNING B. GOLF COURSE Chair Flint explained that some Members of the Park Commission felt that the golf course was something they should be involved in from a planning standpoint . Wiison noted it is a major recreational opportunity. Butler explained that the golf course is a business that the City is in which generates very little revenue. She said she has always considered the golf course as something the City provides to the general population . Wilson fett that there may be some financial opportunity that they could review. Gerhardson felt that the course may be a bit underutilized , but felt they are limited because it is a nine hole course . Chair Flint asked if the Council considered it something they solely wished to supervise or if they wished the Park Commission to get involved with the course. Butler said that if the Park Commission has ideas to generate more revenue, that would be great . Gerhardson suggested a work session to discuss the issue. 5 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF JULY 6, 1992 GOLF COURSE - CONT. McMillan suggested the Park Commission get involved and study the golf course . (#4) CONSIDERATION OF STATEMENT ON HIGHWAY 12 Chair Flint explained that per the previous action of the Park Commission Members regarding maintaining Highway 12 on the existing corridor , he had appeared at the MnDot public hearing and had drafted a letter expressing those views . He asked for input on the letter, a draft of which had been sent to all Park Commission Members. Ilse felt the impact on open space and solitude , the run-off and impact to wetlands should also be included . Wilson seconded the ecological impact of the freeway through Orono. Jabbour stated that the Watershed District had endorsed the southern route for Highway 12 but perhaps had not considered all the water problems inherent in that route . Ilse felt that the comments in the letter need to be stronger . Wilson asked about the DNR' s opinion on the issue . Jabbour nated they have chosen to stay out of the issue because of their desire to build an access in Orono. Chair Flint asked about the Council ' s position on the no-build or minimum upgrade alternatives . Jabbour stated that Orono is in an alliance with five other communities on this issue, of which some of those communities desire some upgrade . Rather than dissolve the alliance with those communities, Orono has decided to agree to a build option on the existing corridor . Butler said she is not opposed to upgrading the corridor , and doing nothing to the corridor may create safety hazards. Jabbour suggested not using the term "no-build" , but rather limited upgrade . Ilse left the meeting at this time. 6 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF JULY 6, 1992 (#6) SUBDIVISION APPLICATIONS: A. 1550 SIXTH AVENUE NORTH It was moved by Vongries, seconded by Wilson , to request a park dedication fee for the subdivision application at 1550 Sixth Avenue North . Ayes 4, nays 0 . B. 3060 SIXTH AVENUE NORTH Gerhardson stated that the property owner did not mind having the bike trail cross his property. The applicant is required to give up an additional 7 feet of right-of-way per a condition of subdivision approval . He is also required to set aside a 10 foot utility easement . Chair Flint said he recommended that the Park Commission request the trail easement immediately north of the utility easement . The fair market value of the easement would reduce the park dedication fee . He noted the City Council decided that the trail easement would need to be paid for regardless of another underlying utility easement . He said the Park Commission should adopt some guidelines as to when it will take land in lieu of Park Dedication fees . It was moved by Wilson , seconded by Ilse , to recommend the City request a 10 foot easement for a bike trail north of the County Road 6 utility easement , the amount for which to be dedicated from the park dedication fee for the subdivision application at 3060 Sixth Avenue North . Ayes 3, nays 1 , abstention 1 . Vongries voted nay; McMillan abstained . C. 845 OLD LONG LAKE ROAD Chair Flint explained that the Park Commission at their last meeting had agreed to request that the utility easement be expanded to include a trail easement and that a park dedication fee also be requested . The property owner appeared at the Council meeting and stated that was an unfair practice . Chair Flint said he and Gerhardson reviewed the property. There is a 66 wide right-of- way, and the paved road is 21 wide . He noted there is over 20 of additional right-of-way on each side and felt they may not need to request the easement . It was moved by Vongries, seconded by Wilson , to request park dedication fees for the subdivision at 845 Old Long Lake Road . Ayes 4, nays 0 . 7 .. A � ' MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF JULY 6, 1992 OTHER Jabbour reported that the LMCD wished to maintain Big Island as a regional park. Hennepin County Parks has removed Big Island from their Comprehensive Plan as a regional park because of the City ' s request . The City has promised the Metropolitan Council that eventually Orono will amend its Comprehensive Plan to delete Big Island as a regional park . He stated he has talked to a few peopie on Hennepin County Park Board asking them to consider dedicating the land on Big Island to the City of Orono to retain as a wildlife refuge. He asked the Park Commission to pursue this issue. He noted Hennepin County Parks may also be interested in purchasing the two I ots des i gnated for s i ng I e fam i I y deve I opment at the o I d sewer pond site . ADJOURNMENT 9:45 P.M. It was moved by Vongries, seconded by Wilson , to adjourn the regular meeting of the Park Commission at 9 : 45 p.m. Ayes 4, nays 0 . The next meeting will be Tuesday, August 4, 1992 at 7 : 00 p.m. � i � Richard Flint , Chair Person 8