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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-06-1993 Park Commission Minutes � 1 � MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF JULY 6, 1993 ATTENDANCE The Park Comm�ission met on the above date with the foilowing members present : Dick Flint , Susan Wiison , Robert Howells and Jim White . Sherokee Ilse , Lili McMiilan , and Alex Vongries were absent . John Gerhardson, Public Works Director and Teri Naab , Recorder represented City staff . Chair Flint called the meeting to order at 7 : 30 p.m. (#1 ) APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair Flint request changes on Pages 3 and 4 . It was moved by Howells, seconded by wilson , to approve the minutes of the June 22 , 1993 Park Commission meeting as amended . Ayes 4, nays 0 . (#2 ) SCHOOL PLAYGROUND FUNDING Eva Hoer presented the Commission with an update on the fund raising progress and samples of the wood to be used for the equipment . White asked how the school can donate $50 , 000 without going through the competitive bidding process . Hoer explained the School Board has elected to provide $25 ,000 for each playground, thereby eliminating the need for bidding . She noted she is there as a representative of the Ad Hoc Committee of the PTO. She noted in discussions with both principals of the schools , they indicated they would not be opposed to other children using the equipment both during school hours and after, and the school is willing to accept the liability for community usage of the playground equipment . She stated the City of Plymouth has a policy to donate $10, 000 to each playground constructed . She added , the area within Orono that is within the Wayzata School District is primarily junior high school age children . Clair Flint noted that McMillan has suggested that any money allocated from the Park Commission be designated for the playground equipment at Schumann School as it� lies within the boundaries of Orono and will be consldered a City playground . Hoer noted that Maple Plain has designated their donation for the Primary School for the same reasons . Gerhardson suggested that any motion to recommend a donation be contingent upon ( t being an allowable expenditure of Park Dedication Funds . � MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF JULY 6 , 1993 SCHOOL PLAYGROUND FUNDING - CONT. Chair Flint stated that he believed this was not an issue . He felt since it was appropriate to fund equipment at Bederwood Park , it is also appropriate to do so at this playground as long as the equipment will be available to the Community . Wilson felt they should support the project to some degree , but considering their limited funds, suggested a smaller amount such " as $4, 000 to $5 , 000 . White suggested they recommend a level of funding from the Park Dedication Fund to be matched with City funds . Chair Flint cautioned that the Councii feeis it inappropriate for the Commission to recommend expenditure of City funds beyond the Park Dedication Funds . White noted they can be guaranteed that Orono children will be using the equipment . �hair Flint asked if the CDBG funds could be used . erhardson said to change the use of the fu �ds approved they would need to go through the public hearing process again . Hoer stated that she will approach the Council with the request for the entire $10 , 000 regardless of the amount recommended by the Park Commission from the Park Dedication Funds . Howells asked what they will do if Mound Schooi District approaches them with a similar request . Chair Flint noted that school district does not have a playground within the City limits . It was moved by Wilson , seconded by White , to support the playground equipment project because the Park Commission believes that a public playground at the location will be of value to the Community, but due to current budget pressures and funding restraints , recommend a donation of $5 , 000 from the Park Dedication Fund to be used solely for playground equipment at the Schumann School . Ayes 4, nays 0 . Hoer explained the Committee has also established a "Friends of the Playground Committee" to raise funds for the maintenance of the equipment , and such Committee is also willing to help the City solicit residential input for future park �rojects . MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMbSSION MEETING OF JULY 6, 1993 (#3) SUBDIVISION REVIEW SUESS Gerhardson reviewed the location of the Suess subdivision , a 20+ acre parcel to be divided into 8 lots . He suggested they consider the acquisition of a trail easement along Watertown Road . He added they wiii only get dedication for th� portion of the property not involved in the previous subdivision . Chair Flint noted the right-of-way along Watertown Road is 66 ' wide . Gerhardson concurred and added there is a 10 ' utility easement outside that right-of-way which currently has power poles on it on the north side of the road . Wilson stated she is not convinced a trail would ever be needed along the road and felt a wide shou � der would be adequate . Chair Flint felt that Watertown Road could become a major thoroughfare in the future . Gerhardson noted a trail is not designed in the park plan along Watertown Road . It was moved by Howells , seconded by Wiison , to request a park dedication fee in lieu of land for the Suess subdivision . Ayes 4, nays 0 . (#4) BIKE/HIKE TRAIL PROGRESS REPORT Chair Flint announced there will be a work session with the Council on Wednesday, July 21 , 1993 at 7 : 45 a.m. It is expected that by that meeting White will have had a chance to discuss the agreement with Hennepin Parks , and Hennepin Parks will have submitted a landscape plan to the City. (#5 ) BALL DIAMOND UPDATE SCHOOL PROPERTY Gerhardson referred to a site plan included in the packet and noted one to two ball fields are feasible in the area indicated . He noted the Park Commission last recommended that staff continue to review the site for a ball field . Chair Flint questioned the status of the Ball Field Committee with regard to the Maple Plain site . Gerhardson said he was unaware of the progress . It was moved by White , seconded by Wilson , to table action on this issue until a report is made to the Commission by the Ball Field Committee . Ayes 4 , nays 0 . MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF JULY 6, 1993 (#6 ) GOLF OUTING Chair Flint announced a golf outing is scheduled for July 14 , 1993 at 5 : 00 p .m. at the Orono Golf Course with dinner to follow at Billy ' s Light House at 7 : 30 p.m. Wilson asked staff to provide the Commission with the golf course financial information . (#7 ) COUNTY ROAD 6 - HENNEPIN COUNTY ROAD UPGRADE Gerhardson reported the County has included an upgrade to County Road 6 south of Highway 12 to include paving of shoulders , overlay of road , re-establishment of the ditches , and a wider right-of-way . In some areas an urban design may be used to lessen the impact . Chair Flint noted the City has pianned for a bike trail along County Road 6, but added he does not want this to be an alternate for the Old Crystal Bay Road trail . A trail in this area would be of less value to Orono residents and chiidren . White asked about the cost to the City. Gerhardson said the County proposes to use ISTEA funds available . It was moved by White , seconded by Wi � son , to direct staff to notify the County of the Commission ' s interest in a trail along this section of County Road 6 to be included as part of the overall trail plan , but not as a substitute for the Old Crystal Bay Road trail proposed . Ayes 4, nays 0. Wilson felt a wider shoulder in this area would be adequate for bike use and stressed she does not want separate trails throughout the entire City . LETTER TO RESIDENTS FROM THE PARK COMMISSION Chair Flint noted City Administrator Moorse is holding the letter to residents along the proposed bike trail pending the joint meeting with Council . CRYSTAL BAY SITE Chair Flint reminded the Commission tnat under their plan fior the year , it was time to initiate planning for the Crystal Bay site . Wilson noted she met with Bradley and Gerhardson and they previously made a general proposal to the Commission . She said they felt citizen input was important . MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF JULY 6 , 1993 CRYSTAL BAY SITE - CONT . Chair Fiint noted the Historical Society has indicated a desire to move the old Council Chambers to the school site to be used for historical purposes . He suggested this issue be put on the next agenda and the Commission be sent all information regarding the Crystal Bay site gathered to date . OTHER Gerhardson noted there has been an interest expressed on the part of the Fire Department to burn the buildings on the Crystal Bay site as a training procedure . Chair Flint asked if people are allowed to use the French Creek Park yet . Gerhardson noted the plantings have not been completed to date . Wilson reported Council has agreed to accept Lowry Woods . Nowells suggested they purchase a sign for the property , and noted he would like to see a parking area developed immediately. Chair Flint noted the Commission has developed a standard sign to be placed in City parks . Gerhardson noted that a sign of this type could cost up to $700 which will be paid for from Park Dedication Funds . Wilson felt they should reduce the size of the sign in order to save money . White said they should be considering revenue enhancements to help pay for park maintenance and capital improvements . Gerhardson noted he will add this item to the next agenda. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Wilson , seconded by Howells , to adjourn the meeting of the Park Commission at 9 : 23 p.m. The next mee_tin�will be Tuesday , August 3 , 1_993 at 7 ;15 p.m. � Richard Flint , Chair Person