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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-04-1993 Park Commission Minutes , 1 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING UF MAl' 4, 1993 ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met on the above date with the following members present : Dick Flint , Susan Wiison , Lili McMilian , Robert Howe I I s and J i m Wh i te . Sherokee I I se and A I ex Vongr i es were absent . John Gerhardson , Public Works Director and Teri Naab , Recorder represented City staff . Chair Flint called the meeting to order at 7 : 19 p.m. (#1 ) APPROVAL OF MINUTES Wilson asked that Page 5 , Paragraph 4, be changed to read : "Vongries, McMillan and Ilse were assigned to evaluate park equipment . . . " It was moved by Wilson , seconded by Howells , to approve the minutes of the April 5 , 1993 Park Commission meeting as amended . Ayes 4, nays 0 . INTRODUCTION Chair Flint introduced Jim White , the newly appointed Park Commission member and asked him to describe his background . White said he is employed by MCDA, a development agency for the City of Minneapolis. He is a member of the Minneapolis Bike Advisory Board , and served on the Hennepin Parks Board for three years . He said he lives on Casco Point with his wife and four children . He is knowtedgeable about municipal financing laws . Chair Flint noted White ' s quatifications were very different than the rest of the Members of the Commission and felt that would be an asset . White asked each member to tell a bit about themselves . McMillan reported she has been on the Commission for one year , has a conservationist background , and is a sports-oriented person . She stays at home to care for her two children . Howells stated he taught history and coached in Hopkins for 29 years , and has been retired for 6 years . He lives near Saga Hill , and has five children . He has done volunteer work for Hennepin Parks . Wilson said she has dedicated her time to the volunteer sector , and current I y i s the Cha i r of the Nature Conservancy. She i s the former Vice Chair of the Arboretum Board . She is a biker and roller blader . She lives on Crystal Bay off of County Road 51 and has three children . 1 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF MAY 4, 1993 INTRODUCTION - CONT. Chair Flint stated he has been the Chair of the Park Commission for the past three years and has been with the Commission for approximately 6 years . He is an attorney. (#2) LOWRY WOODS - NATURE Conservancy Chair Flint explained that the Nature Conservancy may be interested in conveying to Orono the Lowry Woods Nature Preserve if Orono agrees to maintain the area in its natural state . He noted that he and Wilson have conveyed to the Nature Conservancy that purchasing the property is not an option for the City . Wilson explained the area is a segment of a maple/basswood forest , but is too small for the Nature Conservancy to maintain for specific species . As part of their strategic plan , they are divesting themselves of many of their small parcels . Chair Flint inquired about access to the area. Gerhardson reported due to current development of property to the east and south , the City has required that access be provided to the Lowry Woods from Bayside Road . Wilson noted there are many wildflowers on the property. Chair Flint noted this property does not abut the Luce Line Trail . He noted that the property is wooded . It is high land on the south sloping northward to a field area near the Luce Line . He said access to the Luce Line could be obtained with an easement over the parcel to the north . McMillan questioned the City' s obligation if the property were donated and asked about walking trails . Wilson said she felt the Conservancy would insist that the area not be developed and must be maintained as natural land . She did feel they would not object to walking trails through the property . White asked if the area is fenced , and questioned the cost of maintenance and the necessity of such to disallow neighboring properties to use the property as a parking area. Wilson noted it is partially fenced . Chair Flint said the City has many parks abutting residential areas with no fencing to prohibit its use and the City has not experienced problems to his knowledge. He suggested they add this area to their scheduled park tour . 2 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF MAY 4, 1993 LOWRY WOODS - CONT. White said he would suppiy them with areai photos of the area. Wilson noted the property drastically slopes from south to north . She added this area is much like Woldsfeld Woods . She said the Nature Conservancy has not maintained the area for the last 15 years and she expected little cost associated with maintenance . White asked if a survey has been conducted of the trees and wildlife . Wilson said to her knowledge there is not a survey on the wildlife in the area. White suggested that may be helpful in determining walking trail locations . He noted they may be able to get a volunteer from the County to provide the survey. Chair Flint questioned whether they should hold an informational meeting for the neighbors . Wilson suggested they do so after they have obtained more information . McMillan recommended they study the possibility of access to the Luce Line . Gerhardson said he would determine the name of the owner of the parcel to the north . Chair Flint felt there were pluses and minuses to tieing this area to the Luce Line . He felt the area should be maintained as a neighborhood nature area. McMillan felt walking trails would not be needed if the area were not publicized . She questioned the need for parking . Howells asked what will happen with the property if Orono does not accept . Wilson said the Nature Conservancy is determined to dispose of the property and probably will find another recipient or sell it . Chair Flint felt Orono probably could do a better job of maintaining the area, and suggested the involvement of neighbors . Wilson felt they should develop trails for bird watchers . She said she has parked on Bayside Road and walked in to the property. 3 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF MAY 4, 1993 LOWRY WOODS - CONT. Gerhardson noted the private drive will soon be upgraded to a road and parking may be feasible along that area. McMillan inquired about the cost of transferring the land . Wilson said she was told it would cost the City $1 .00 for the transfer . It was moved by Howells , seconded by White , to recommend pursuing the option to acquire the Lowry Woods Nature Preserve from the Nature Conservancy, subject to review at the park tour and comments received by neighboring property owners . Ayes 5 , nays 0 . (#3) DAKOTA RAIL LINE RECREATIONAL TRAIL McMillan reported she and Chair Flint attended a meeting of 20 people from surrounding communities to discuss this possibility . She said the line runs from west of Wayzata to Hutchinson , was bankrupted in 1985 and subsequently purchased by a private developer as an investment . The neighboring communities are discussing the possibility of purchasing the line for trail purposes . Chair Flint said the group is asking for a statement of support . White noted the developer is looking to make money on the investment . He felt this would be an ideal project for the communities to ban their funds together and request the State to match dollars . Chair Flint reported at a seminar held last fall on Rails to Trails, organizations were informed to begin projects early, obtain strong public support , ban together , and have an over-all coordinator . He stated the communities plan to hold several meetings at which they will be inviting State and DNR representatives . He noted the owner cannot abandon the line until he has obtained State approval . Wilson felt the DNR would be a key player in development of the trails . Howells asked if they have discussed the issue of the City of Mound purchasing a portion of the trail for parking . McMillan indicated the City of Mound would like to incorporate this area with their downtown redevelopment project but this would not interfere with the trail . Wilson felt this to be an important project and suggested Orono ( end its support and help. 4 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF MAY 4, 1993 DAKOTA RAIL LINE RECREATIONAL TRAIL - CONT. It was moved by Wilson , seconded by McMillan , to recommend supporting the acquisition of the Dakota rail line for trail purposes , and to help in any way possible including supplying the group of communities with names of people to help with the project . Howells questioned the number of bridges along the line. Gerhardson said there were two. Vote: Ayes 5 , nays 0. (#4) BIKE/HIKE TRAILS - OLD CRYSTAL BAY ROAD Chair Flint reported a tour of the bike/hike trail and meeting has been scheduled for May 5th at 7 : 30 a.m. with the Council and City Engineer . They will discuss concerns such as the cost , curb and gutter , the loss of screening , and the Hennepin Parks contract . Wilson questioned where the trail would connect to the 10K trail in Baker Park . Chair Flint noted the trail will connect . He said Hennepin Parks has agreed to pave the short section between Starkey Road and the 10K. Wilson suggested that condition be added in the contract . Chair Flint felt that was unnecessary as he was sure they intended to do so. White said their policy is that trails will be paved . He indicated Hennepin Parks has a nursery in Crow Hassen of plants native to the area which they would be happy to supply for planting along the trail . Chair Flint said plantings would need to be approved as they would be on private property. McMillan noted that Mayor Callahan was concerned about the curb and gutter . Chair Flint said he also was concerned with the cost of the overall project , citing that this trail was costing double the average trail because of the need to install curb and gutter . This was be i ng done i n order to bu i I d the t ra i I on C i ty r i ght-of-way and not on private property. 5 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF MAY 4, 1993 BIKE/HIKE TRAILS - CONT. White asked them to keep in perspective the City is only asked to pay half of the trail . He stated it was determined that a trail placed anywhere in the area would cost the same. He added if there i s a t ra i I runn i ng a I ong 0 I d Crysta I Bay Road , t he road i s I ess likely to become a feeder road for an upgraded Highway 12 . (#5) JUNE PARK TOUR The June Park Tour was scheduled for Tuesday, June 1 , 1993 at 6 : 00 p.m. , following the tour established at the Aprii meeting with the addition of Lowry Woods . (#6) HENNEPIN COUNTY BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE Chair Flint referred to a letter to Mayor Callahan from Emily Ann Staples requesting volunteers to this committee . White suggested they contact Jan Gunther , owner of the bike shop in Long Lake, as she may be willing to serve or may know of someone . FRENCH CREEK PARK Wilson reported blue bird houses have been installed . She reported she has requested a proposal of low maintenance items and a planting schedule from Prairie Restoration . The estimated cost is $800 . 00. She said she has checked with the Maple Plain Coop and the wildflower mix is very expensive . White said he would check with the County to see if they can supply all or some of the necessary seeds . Wilson requested that funds be approved at this meeting to ensure they would not miss the appropriate planting season . She said it is hoped they can provide the necessary plantings and seeds as inexpensively as possible . It was moved by White , seconded by Howells , to recommend approval of expenditure for the planting and restoration of French Lake Park , for an amount not to exceed $1 ,000 . 00. Ayes 5 , nays 0. Wilson requested permission to have removed a fence bordering the west side of the pond . AIl members agreed . Wilson requested permission to remove trees encroaching the wetland area. AIl members agreed . Gerhardson said they would be closing access off to the area of new plantings so as not to disturb the wildlife . 6 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSIQN MEETiNG OF MAY 4, 19�3 (#7 ) PROGRESS A. Hackberry Park : Gerhardson reported this praject has not been started . B . Summit Park : Gerhardson reported the canoe rack is in place and the City has received three applications . The "Canoe Launch Only" sign has arrived and wiil be instalied shortly. The large tree near the swimming beach has been removed and the sod in the swimming beach area will be removed and repiaced with sand . Wilson asked that they also remove a large rock in the center of the canoe launch area. Gerhardson reported that Tamarack Senior Center has been responsible for picking up trash at this park both last year and this . Howells suggested a letter of commendation . Chair Flint suggested requesting them to appear at a future Commission meeting to accept commendation and have it reported in the newspaper . White explained a volunteer recognition program operated by Hennepin Parks whereby annual recognition is given to certain individuals or organizations and their picture is hung in the building for a year as a reminder of the appreciation . He said the commendation is presented at a meeting where coffee and cookies are served . Chair Flint suggested the annual recognition be presented to the Tamarack Senior Center at 7 : 00 p.m. , July 6th . Gerhardson was asked to invite the Tamarack Senior Center and the newspaper representative to the meeting . It was suggested that they ask Ilse to consider development of the plague to be presented in conjunction with the "Adopt a Park" program. Howells recommended covers be placed on all trash barrels to prevent spillage . (#8) WIRTJES SUBDIVISION REVIEW Gerhardson reported this is a single lot subdivision of property on Watertown Road , east of Cygnet Place . It was moved by Wilson , seconded by White, to recommend park dedication funds in lieu of dedication of park land for the Wirtjes subdivision . Ayes 5 , nays 0. 7 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF MAY 4, 1993 (#9) McCARTHY SUBDIVISION REVIEW Gerhardson reported this is a single lot subdivision off Old Beach Road . It was moved by Wilson , seconded by McMillan , to recommend park dedication funds be accepted in lieu of park land for the McCarthy subdivision . Ayes 5 , nays 0 . (#10) PARK MONITORING It was decided that the park monitoring program would continue for another month . McMillan would supply Gerhardson and White with a copy of the forms . White volunteered to monitor Casco Swimming Beach and Navarre Playground . OTHER White asked if they have considered establishment of a "Friends of Parks" foundation , whereby contributions could be received . Chair Flint suggested they consider the establishment of a fund with the Minneapolis Foundation to avoid the administration cost of maintaining our own foundation . *** Howells asked about the financial statements for the goif course . Gerhardson reported they are not completed yet . *** McMillan volunteered to coordinate a golf outing for the Park Commission members . *** Gerhardson reported Orono has been challenged to a softball game by the City of Medina and Bonestroo Engineering . ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Wilson , seconded by Howells , to adjourn the regular meeting of the Park Commission at 9 : 50 p.m. The next meet i n9 wi I 1 be Tuesday, June 1 , 1993 at 6:00 p.m. for the Park Tour. �� � �� Richard Flint , Chair Person 8