The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About02-01-1993 Park Commission Minutes MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF FEBRUARY 1 , 1993 ATTENDANCE 7: 13 P.M. The Park Commission met on the above date with the following members present : Susan Wilson , Sherokee Ilse and Lili McMiilan . Alex Vongries and Robert Howeils were absent . John Gerhardson , Public Works Director , represented City staff . An information d i scuss i on was he i d f rom 7 : 13 to 8:05 p.m. due to the I ack of a quorum. At 8:05 Chair Dick Flint arrived. (#1 ) APPROVAL OF MINUTES McMillan asked that Page 2 , Paragraph 6, be changed to read : "Hennepin Parks wiil be given a non-exciusive easement over the trail " ; and Page 3, Item #11 , "monitoring usage of parks" . It was moved by Wiison , seconded by Iise, to approve the minutes of the January 4, 1993 Park Commission meeting as amended . Ayes 4, nays 0. (i�2) SUMMIT BEACH IMPROVEMENTS AND CANOE RACKS Gerhardson explained the intention of the Park Commission is to increase the size of the swimming beach by one-third. The major concern is the loss of willow tree to allow for the expansion. He reviewed the installation of a canoe rack, to be rented by residents of the community. Dick Reed, 1000 Old Long Lake Road, said when he purchased his property he was told unofficially that this beach was strictly for swimming, and no boat launching would be allowed . He expressed concern about additional lighting that may be needed for security reasons for the canoe rack area. He said he did not want the beach expanded. He felt the eniarged parking area at the beach took away some of the beauty and value of the park . He reported that Bruce Dayton , donator of the property, did not have any objection to either the canoe rack or the expansion of the beach area. Wilson said that the Park Commission wanted to make improvements to Summ i t Beach area as i t i s a pr i me sw i mm i ng beach. The canoe rack was requested by residents. The Commission is Interested in promoting quiet water activities. She feit additional lighting would not be necessary. She said if there are any problems in the future, the canoe rack could be removed . Reed stated he was concerned that the canoe rack would be placed near his property line. , Wilson stated they wanted to keep the rack as far as possible from the swimming beach . 1 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF FEBRUARY 1 , 1993 SUMMIT BEACH - CONT. Gerhardson noted he has not received any other comments from neighboring property owners. Mr. and Mrs. Phlllip Bradley arrived to inspect the new facilitfes. The Commission recessed for a short time. AIl members felt the beach should be enlarged to make a safer play area for children. Wiison stated the estimated cost for the canoe rack is $350 if built in-house, $500 if purchased already built . She said there may be some additfonai costs to clear the brush in the area prior to installation of the rack. She suggested directing the sub-committee (Wilson, McMillan and Howells) to review details pertaining to the beach . She fe � t the rack should be built to hold six canoes. It was suggested that $40.00 be charged for the rental of a rack per year. The Commission reviewed the dates that the rack will be availabie and hours that canoes can be launched from the beach. Wilson said she requested the hours for use of canoes be extended from dawn to dusk to allow additionai time far people to enjoy their sport . They reviewed the hours posted for park use. McMitlan suggested the hours of use be ifmited to "day light hours" . She questioned the need for the City Attorney to review the contract and waiver. She suggested an annuat review of the canoe rack rental . Ilse felt a sign indicating "canoe launching" should be posted . McMillan asked if the neighbor to the west of the park has been notified. Gerhardson said they were not notified as they are residents of Long Lake. Wiison suggested the rack be ( n piace by April . Iise clarifled that the rack rentai will only be available to residents of the City. Wilson suggested advertising the availability of canoe rack rentai in the local newspaper and newsletter. Chair Flint arrlved at this time, 8:05 p.m. 2 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF FEBRUARY 1 , 1993 SUMMIT BEACH - CONT. It was moved by Wilson , seconded by McMilian , to recommend to expand Summit Beach by 50% for the summer season 1993. Ayes 4, nays 0 . It was moved by Wilson , seconded by McMiilan , to recommend the instal � ation of a six place canoe rack at the east end of Summit Park for the 1993 season , with the proposed rules and regulations , to be reviewed at the end of the season . Ayes 4, nays 0. PARK MONITORING McMillan explained the Commission decided to establish a monitoring program of the parks and their usage. She submitted a draft form to be filled in by the person monitoring , and reviewed the information requested on the form. She noted at the next meeting , the Park Commission members will be assigned a specific park to monitor . (�3) REVIEW & APPROVAL OF 1993 ACTION PLAN Gerhardson referred to the schedule regarding the bike/hike trail . He suggested presenting the contract at the February 22nd meeting , but prior to that he and Chair Flint would meet with Tom Barrett , City Attorney. Chair Flint noted they need to develop the documents for the easements to be granted for the additional right-of-way. McMillan questioned the source of funding . Gerhardson noted the Council wiii need to determine funding very soon. Wilson clarified that the Commission agreed that OBA couid remove the items from Bederwood Park as they wished. Ilse said the City may want to install some benches at the park . McMiilan questioned whether OBA would be removing the side fence. Ilse felt , without the fence, more versatility is provided for the use of the park . They discussed several possibilities for the Crystal Bay site . It was suggested that a survey be done of the property. 3 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF FEBRUARY 1 , 1993 1993 ACTION PLAN - CONT. Chair Flint feit they should continue to pursue an updated comprehensive park plan. Wiison was opposed to paying a pianner to work on a comprehensive plan. She felt the Commission members knew Orono much better and could do the work. McMillan inquired about the update of park equipment for the Navarre park. Chair Flint noted that can be discussed at the June tour. Wiison discussed the sewer pond and the Issue of raising the water level . She informed the Commission that if there are muskrats in the pand, they wi 1 I get rid of the cattai Is, which in turn wi I I enable the water level to rise. They discussed the different options of seeding the area and maintenance of a trail . Witson noted the sub-committee wiil return with a recommendation on the type of grass to be planned at the March meeting of the Park Commission. It was moved by Ilse, seconded by Wllson, to approve the 1993 Action Plan of the Park Commission as amended. Ayes 4, nays 0. Gerhardson noted that Long Lake may be interested in estabiishing bike/hike trails that may connect with trafls in Orono. He said he would follow up on that issue. McMilian mentioned there is an organized cross country ski event scheduled for Wednesday evening at Orono Golf Course. (!k4) REVIEW CASCO POINT PARK DEED TO DETERMINE RESTRICTIONS Wilson reviewed that the Commission had considered adding some tralls through the woodland area. Gerhardson suggested discussing the instailation of trails with the neighbors. Wilson asked who currently maintains the property. Gerhardson said the City does the maintenance work, and they could cut more trails if that is deemed appropriate. 4 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF FEBRUARY 1 , 1993 CASCO POINT PARK - CONT. McMilian reported she discussed the property wlth the son of one of the origlnal deedors, who indlcated that they are very adamant about keeping the area very naturai and open space. Chair Flint stated they may want to dlscuss the time limit on the deed restrictfons with the City Attorney. Wilson feit the area should be left in a naturai state, but perhaps enhance the walking trails. McM( Ilan felt the decis (on should be made by the neighborhood. Chair Flint sald they would revisit the issue at the June tour of the parks. ADJOURNMENT Chair Ftint adjourned the regular meeting of the Park Commisslon at 9: 20 p.m. The next meeting will be Monday, March 1 , 1993 at 7 :00 p.m. � �? ��z� Richard Flint , Chair Person � 5