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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-03-1993 Park Commission Minutes t ` i 1 MINUTES Or THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF AUGUST 3, 1993 ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met on the above date with the following members present: Dick Flint, Robert Howells, Alex Vongries, Sherokee Ilse, Lili McMillan and Jim White. Susan Wilson was absent. John Gerhardson, Public Works Director and Carole Haseman, Recorder represented City staff. Randy Bosma and Kevin Hawkinson represented the Orono Baseball Association. Chair Flint called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. (#1) APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Ilse, seconded by Howells, to approve the minutes of the July 6, 1993 Park Commission meeting. Ayes 6, nays 0. (#3) BASEBALL FIELD Kevin Hawkinson and Randy Bosma identified themselves as board members of OBA. Bosma explained that they are actively seeking baseball sites. OBA pursued a site in Maple Plain but lost out to the Men's Softball Association. Bosma felt there was a communication problem h„#;� between the Maple Plain Park Board and the Maple Plain Council. '-� Chair Flint asked to have a copy of the proposal which had been presented to the City of Maple Plain mailed to the Orono Park Board. Bosma explained that no compromise had been offered by Maple Plain. OBA will ask to use the Maple Plain field for instructional use for 7 and 8 year olds but unfortunately it does not fit usage by the older OBA youths. Chair Flint inquired if an OBA committee which had been at a Council meeting in the spring was still functioning. Bosma explained that the committee had split up into two subgroups - one which he had been a member to pursue the Maple Plain site as a "quick fix" and another which Sherokee was working with to pursue the high school site. Hawkinson stated that even if they had been able to obtain the Maple Plain site they would need more fields as they are adding teams every year. 1 , � MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF AUGUST 3, 1993 BASEBALL FIELD - CONT. Bosma noted that historically kids have been turned away because of lack of fields, coaches, etc. A handout was presented showing the demographics. Orono Baseball is unique as it involves five cities and has fields in only three. Of those three fields, two are in city parks (Bederwood and Holbrook). There is one Little League field to play on which is Bederwood. Bederwood . is the only field in the system which has a baseball mound and a fence for 12 and under. The other fields are shared converted softball fields. Bosma recanted his earlier statement referring to five cities and listed six cities which are involved from biggest to smallest in numbers: Orono, Maple Plain, Long Lake, Independence, Medina, and Minnetonka Beach. There are 32 "open enrollment" students that were not eligible to play with the "Little League Association" because they did not live within the school district boundaries. In April OBA voted to drop out of Little League to let all Orono school district kids play within the association and now also have kids participating from Delano, Hamel, Plymouth, and Wayzata. Howells asked if the program was coed. Bosma explained that it is open. Vongries asked for clarification that OBA dropped "Little League", a national organization, and if anyone would come before the Park Commission representing "Little League". Bosma explained that at the time "Little League" was dropped all equipment was transferred to Orono Junior Spartans which is a division of OBA. McMillan questioned how the demand was prioritized. Hawkinson explained that no one is turned down except for late sign up dates. Bosma added that children from the City of Orono make up 42% of the youth registered in the OBA. There are 561 children in the association. The number of children between 9 and 12 use the biggest fields and they are most concerned about that age level. Everyone between the age group of 9 and 12 at some point will play at Bederwood. The 7 and 8 year olds play on the other smaller fields within the minors and the juniors make up the majority of their games on the bigger fields. The high school fields are used extensively because they are the only ones available but are not designed for baseball. Flint inquired why they aren't designed for baseball. Hawkinson explained that the Youth Softball Association had permanent rubbers placed on the fields which cause a safety hazard for the pitchers because pitching is done at different distances for baseball than for softball. 2 � � MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF AUGUST 3, 1993 BASEBALL FIELD - CONT. Bosma added that the Softball Association does what they please on those fields as they seem to have more clout with the Community Education Program. OBA is "second fiddle" on all of the high school and primary school fields. Bederwood is the only place that baseball can be played on a baseball field. It is getting increasingly difficult to schedule games as the association has grown since 1987. All baseball activities are being brought under one blanket "OBA" including T-ball, instructional, and Little League Junior Spartans. In the past Maple Plain, Orono and Medina had their own T-ball. The count projected for next year is 275 and OBA must manage to find coaches, equipment and places to play. Howells inquired about the Holbrook Field. Bosma explained that Holbrook is located in Long Lake but softball has almost exclusive use of the field and that it is more suited to softball requirements. The fields currently being used by OBA are 10 in Orono, 6 in Maple Plain, 1 in Long Lake and 2 in Medina. There are only two fields which are not T-ball size - one is Bederwood and one is Holbrook. If the high school fields are not used, there is no place to play. T-ball size fields are impossible to play on. It is distressing to see the number of players increase each year by 15% but the number of fields does not change. Chair Flint inquired how to proceed with the School District as they are willing to supply more fields. Ilse reported that a meeting was held that day between the School District, John Gerhardson, Ron Moorse, McMillan and herself. Gerhardson displayed sketches of the school property which had been done previously by Steve Johnston, a former Park Commission member. He reported that hockey people are interested in acquiring 4 or 5 acres of the property. The School District would be willing to lease land to the City to develop Little League baseball fields. Some type of access has to be achieved by way of Old Crystal Bay Road as neither Hennepin County nor the Council wants access off County Road 6. An estimate of cost for a road would be approximately $10,000.00. Chair Flint stated that he though the cost would be significantly more than $10,000.00 for the baseball field unless the property immediately east of the church was used. Bosma stated that he was present at the last hockey meeting when the decision was made whether or not they were going to build. There had been no consensus among the hockey parents as to what they wanted to do. He thought the vote was "no" to not build an arena right now and "yes" to still pursue it in the future. 3 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF AUGUST 3, 1993 BASEBALL FIELD - CONT. White mentioned that some park boards find it profitable to operate hockey arenas and would that be a possibility? Bosma suggested that the Delano arena be contacted because it has been in bankruptcy four times. McMillan mentioned that three options for parking were given at the meeting: 1) put a parking lot in the center and walk over to fields; 2) put an access road in; 3) use area north of ravine for access road. Chair Flint mentioned that another possible site would be an extension of Kelley Parkway which would result in major acquisition costs. He suggested that a cost estimate be done so all parties know the cost involved in the various alternative sites. Gerhardson suggested that a consultant be hired to detail these things. Chair Flint said there was no money for that. White asked what the cost would be? Gerhardson estimated the fee would be about $2,500.00 and would be for a ballfield and not roads. Bosma stated that Mark Gronberg has prepared a preliminary proposal for a site in Maple Plain and those figures are available for use. Gerhardson said he is willing to ask Gronberg for an estimate. Ilse suggested that a subcommittee be implemented to speed things along. Chair Flint assigned Ilse, White and Howells to the subcommittee. It was moved by Howells, seconded by White that the Board support the goals of the Orono Baseball Association to develop Little League baseball fields in Orono and empower a subcommittee to work with OBA to look at options for siting and costs of those options and report back to the Park Board at the earliest possible time. Ayes 5, Nays 0. 4 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF AUGUST 3, 1993 (#2) REPORT - BIKE/HIKE TRAIL Chair Flint reported that a work session with the City Council was held on July 21st. A subsequent City Council meeting was held on July 26th. Gerhardson reported that at the 26th meeting both Mr. Hile and Mr. Brandenburg, adjacent property owners, were in attendance and showed opposition to the trail. They did not agree with the landscaping plan and wanted more information as to restoration of the public property adjacent to their property. McMillan also reported from the meeting that Councilmember Kelley stated several reasons for opposing the trail: loss of trees, cost of trail; curb and gutter; and no demonstrated need. She mentioned that Councilmember Goetten felt there had been a lack of communication between the City and residents. It was suggested to negotiate with Hennepin Parks the uses of the trail and the possibility of the City's termination rights if it chooses to withdraw from the joint agreement. A resolution was adopted by Council to table the matter for two weeks and clear up the details. Chair Flint stated that there appear to be only two ways to make peace with one or two of the adjacent landowners - one would be to not build a trail and the other would be to bypass their properties so the trail would run along the street. Gerhardson confirmed that there is 2,300 ft. total to be covered with plantings under the County plan. Chair Flint felt there were three possible ways to lay out the trail along Old Crystal Bay Road: get an easement on private property so the trail can be constructed behind the trees; go along with original plan and take out trees on public property for land owners who are willing to grant the City permission to plant on private property; or merely pave the shoulder. The latter, he thought, was not as safe as either of the first two. McMillan asked what became of the petition? Gerhardson stated that a petition against the trail had been presented to Council. McMillan asked for clarification of the use for a chain link fence if a retaining wall was constructed along the trail. 5 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF AUGUST 3, 1993 BIKE/HIKE TRAIL - CONT. Gerhardson explained that a retaining wall could not be built along the full length of the Hile property and in certain areas it would have to be fenced because of the drop-off. The Hiles do not like the idea of a wall or a fence but if a fence is necessary, they do not want a cyclone fence. He has a meeting scheduled with the Hiles and the Brandenburgs. Chair Flint inquired about Starkey Road. Gerhardson explained that it is a connection to the loop trail to the interior of the park. It is not part of the trail itself. Thus the Orono Trail will connect to the Baker Park Trail without traversing along Starkey Road. Several Park Commission members agreed to contact Councilmembers regarding the trail prior to next Council meeting. (#4) OLD CRYSTAL BAY SITE Ilse relayed information received from Randi Carlson who did a survey of the neighbors of the area. The residents favored a short court basketball hoop, ice rink, expanded play area and the possibility of flowers and benches. McMillan asked if a tennis court was mentioned? Ilse answered that it did not appear high on their list. Ilse added that she received a call from a state, local and national breast cancer connection group who want to memorialize women who are fighting breast cancer, survivors, and those who have died. They want a site to pay for, plant and maintain flowers, bushes and trees and inquired if Orono is interested in using any of its parks such as the Crystal Bay site for this purpose. McMillan detailed a potential plan drafted by Susan Wilson for the area - close Prospect Avenue; Lots A and B with connecting streets being park parcels; Lot C could be sold as one lot for development. Vongries questioned the use of the old Council Chamber building. Chair Flint explained that the Historical Society would like to take the old Council building and move it next to the school. McMillan stated that she would like to see $2,700.00 from the Community Block Grant used towards some professional planning for the site. 6 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF AUGUST 3, 1993 OLD CRYSTAL BAY SITE - CONT. White suggested an updated survey be done by the University at a minimum cost to the City and would investigate the possibility of a survey. Chair Flint mentioned the five month time limit for using the CBG money and that something should be done with it. Vongries stated that he feels a park plan is a waste of money and a piecemeal approach in this "little community" is the right way and cited Bederwood as an example. White asked how the development of the park would be paid. Flint answered that park dedication fees would be used. It was moved by Ilse, seconded by White that a subcommittee be appointed to develop criteria to communicate with the neighbors by letter inviting them to a meeting this fall to share their thoughts about a park and review proposed guidelines. Ayes 6, nays 0. Chair Flint appointed Susan Wilson, Lili McMillan and Alex Vongries to the committee (McMillan will act as Chair) and report back to the Park Commission in October with the idea that the public will be invited for their views in November. (#9) SEWER PROPERTY SALE Gerhardson reported that the Council entered into a purchase agreement for someone to buy five acres for $300,000.00. In conjunction with that property, the wildflower seeding for the passive park parcel was under estimated by $400.00. It was moved by White, seconded by Ilse to raise the wildflower seeding recommendation to $1,900.00. Ayes 5, nays 1. (#10) INFORMATION ITEMS: Chair Flint asked if any items needed action. Gerhardson stated they were just information items. 7 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF AUGUST 3, 1993 (#8) DAKOTA RAIL MEETING McMillan stated that Dakota Rail could be discussed at the next meeting. OTHER McMillan discussed a plaque to honor the Tamarack Senior Center. The plaque will cost approximately $100.00. Chair Flint suggested wording as follows: "The Orono's Friends of the Parks Award" with the presentation to be made at the October meeting. ADJOURNMENT Chair Flint adjourned the meeting of the Park Commission at 10:22 p.m. The next meeting will be Tuesday, September 7, 1993 at 7:15 p.m. , �� � , � ichard Flint, Chair Person 8