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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-07-1993 Park Commission Minutes MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 7, 1993 � ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met on the above date with the following members present: Dick Flint, Robert Howells, Sherokee Ilse, Susan Wilson, Lili McMillan and Jim White. Alex Vongries was absent. John Gerhardson, Public Works Director and Carole Haseman, Recorder represented City staff. Randy Bosma and Steve Carlson represented the Orono Baseball Association. Councilmember JoEllen Hurr v��s present. Martha Hurr was also present. Chair Flint called the meeting to order at 7:17 p.m. (#1) APPROVAL OF MINUTES McMillan asked for a correction on page 6, 4th paragraph from the bottom. It should read Lot C could be sold as one lot for development. It was moved by Howells, seconded by Wilson, to approve the minutes as amended of the August 3, 1993 Park Commission meeting. Ayes 6, nays 0. (#2) WILDFLOWER SEEDING AT FRENCH CREEK PARK; NAME OF PARK Wilson explained the seeding program will begin the first week of October. Because the work cannot be done in-house, it will be more expensive. Wes Bendickson has been hired to do the plowin� and Ron Bowen will do the planting. Chair Flint mentioned the Council's surprise regarding the additional cost of the project. Councilmember Jabbour had offered his help to do the plowing. Wilson said she would check with Jabbour if he has the necessary equipment. It was suggested that Public Works begin work yet this fall to prepare the area for next year. She asked Gerhardson if the weir is holding. Gerhardson responded positively and preparation work would begin in the area this fall. Wilson suggested getting some involvement from Girl Scouts as a conservation project. They could help clean up the site, tend the trail, gather and spread seeds. It could be made into a cornmunity project. Gerhardson relayed information he received from a Cub Scout group expressing an interest in the project. Chair Flint noted it might be better to use only one group per project. 1 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMI5SION MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 7, 1993 WILDFLOWER SEEDING - CONT. White suggested starting an "Adopt a Park Program." He mentioned various organizations and companies which offer deals on bulbs and seeds. Hennepin Parks provide instruction for collection of wildflower seed. Wilson explained it will take approximately three years to get a good prairie. Chair Flint asked if burning will be necessary. Wilson answered that Bowen will probably have to burn at least once. Gerhardson said the process should be discussed in the beginning because there could be some difficulty in obtaining burning permits. Wilson asked members for input regarding the park name and after some discussion it was decided to call it French Creek Preserve. It was moved by Wilson, seconded by Ilse, that the name "French Creek Preserve" be recommended for Council approval. Ayes 6, nays 0. Wilson agreed to appear before the City Council when this matter is considered. (�#6) BASEBALL FIELD Randy Bosma and Steve Carlson identified themselves as board members of OBA. Wilson asked for an explanation of the association between Little League and OBA. Bosma explained OBA voted in April to drop the Little League affiliation based on the fact that 10-15% of kids are open enrollment students and would be ineligible to play under the Little League rules. Carlson stated the Orono Baseball Association consists of two groups - 12 and under and 13 and over. He is the president of the 12 and under group which was known as Little League. The affiliation has been dropped because of the open enrollment problems. An explanation of the OBA organization was given. OBA has adopted Little League rules and many of them are safety requirements. OBA's purpose is to build an official Little League field. Wilson inquired if dugouts are necessary. 2 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 7, 1993 BASEBALL FIELD - CONT. Bosma stated dugouts are considered an option in the Little League guidelines. At this time there are approximately fourteen fields without dugouts that are shared with softball. OBA wants to provide play on a field above the basic ball field and dugouts would be an important part of the experience for the kids. He presented a proposal drafted by Mark Gronberg. Access would be achieved off Old Crystal Bay Road by building a gravel road and a parking area for forty units. The first field to be built would be the one closest to County Road 6 and the second site would be developed later. No estimates have been obtained. Preliminary figures for the road are $10,000-$15,000. Figures should be available in two weeks. OBA would like a proposal brought to the School Board for an agreement between the City and School as soon as possible. Ilse added the School is willing to enter into a long-term lease for approximately $1.00 a year. McMillan inquired about the topography. Bosma explained there is a 20' slope which could result in some high excavation costs. The County will allow access off County Road 6 only if one field is developed. White felt it might be more economical to proceed with access off County Road 6 as the second field would not be built for some time. Gerhardson commented the County was very specific on the entrance location off of County Road 6. The location could not interfere with the property designated for future use by the Hockey Association. Bosma pointed out the proposed location would provide electricity to the site which is needed for a concession stand. Substantial income is derived from the concession stand at Bederwood. Chair Flint asked the length of road. Bosma said it would be at least 250'. Chair Flint pointed out the cost will be a major factor unless OBA has unlimited money. Both options for entrance should be investigated. There is a need for only one field now and a road could be developed with that objective. Carlson commented within a couple of years a second field will be needed because of the growing number of participants in OBA. 3 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 7, 1993 BASEBALL FIELD - CONT. Bosma mentioned some of the sites now used by OBA might not be at their disposal in the future. Chair Flint suggested definite figures were needed. Wilson said in previous meetings a multi-use ballfield was discussed. Bosma explained all OBA's fields are that type except for Bederwood. Multi-use fields will not solve OBA's problems. Wilson asked if any fields could be converted? Bosma replied that most fields are on school property. The school is not interested in having fences, dugouts and concession stands on their property. He does not know of any other park space that offers this capability. Ilse proposed a letter of understanding be sent to the School District to clarify the needs of OBA and the City and to suggest a time frame. It is her hope that a road will be built this fall. Chair Flint pointed out cost figures are needed to present something specific to the School District. Wilson added it is too premature to submit anything at this time. Bosma estimated it would cost approximately $30,000.00 to build a field similar to Bederwood which would not include excavating or grading. Costs could be cut if work is done within the association. McMillan inquired if other sites were being considered. White answered yes, east of the church. Bosma said the School District would not approve this site because it plans to develop the land for other uses. The OBA would like a transition agreement from the City so plans can be made for next year's program if they are denied use to Bederwood. Ilse suggested other communities whose children participate in OBA should be encouraged to help fund the project, particularly .those communities not offering fields. 4 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 7, 1993 BASEBALL FIELD - CONT. Bosma said OBA conducts fund raising projects and was in good financial shape. He questioned if the area should be known as an Orono City park because other cities would be reluctant to participate in an Orono park project. Before OBA puts a lot of preliminary work and effort into this project, they would like to have stipulations and agreements resolved with the City. This is a major concern for OBA because some stipulations could be completely unacceptable and make this site an impossibility. The organization is excited about the site and would like the Park Commission's conceptual approval. Flint questioned the reason for the agreement between the City and the Orono School District. Isle commented the School District has made it clear they will not enter into any agreement with a private group. Bosma said it is OBA's understanding that the City would enter into a contract with the School District and OBA would lease the property from the City with the understanding it would be used as a recreational area with specific guidelines. This would give OBA an opportunity to seek funds from other cities. Isle felt if the project is not going to be a park, it might be inappropriate to even be considered by the Park Commission. It was moved by Howells, seconded by Wilson to table OBA's proposal and hold a special meeting on September 20, 1993 at 7:15 p.m to enable OBA time to gather projected cost figures and input from Councilmembers and the School District. Ayes 5, nays 0 (McMillan not present). OTHER Chair Flint introduced Martha Hurr who presented information regarding possible funding for trails. Hurr explained her job is with the Department of Public Safety for Hennepin Parks. She attended a seminar on behalf of Hennepin Parks to seek ways to obtain funding for bikeways and pedestrian traffic through a federal program established in 1991 called Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA). Federal monies have been set aside for a six year period to be used for transportation enhancements. The program works on a percentage basis - 80% federal and 20% local. Money is available for establishment of multiple use trails along roadways, conversion of roads for bike paths and other programs. The minimal amount is $25,000 for a grant which can be used over a three year period. Qualifying criteria is that it must serve a transportation usage and tie into the Clean Air Act. It encourages bike and pedestrian use as opposed to the automobile. 5 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 7, 1993 OTHER - CONT. Chair Flint noted that Superintendent Doug Bryant has reported that the suburbs usually have difficulty in obtaining funds compared to the central cities, and ISTEA funding is administered through the state. McMillan inquired about the approval process. Hurr said proposals are on a point system. More points are given for individual communities starting unique programs especially if it connects with other jurisdictions. Public involvement is needed in developing plans. Possible contact sources are Metropolitan Council, Mn/DOT, or Jim Dusrud who is the Minnesota Coordinator of the bike program. Chair Flint felt Dakota Rail could be an ideal proposal for a project and mentioned Hennepin County had discussed the possibility of a bike path being built along County Road 6 in the area south of Highway 12. (#5) BIKE/HIKE TRAIL Chair Flint reported the committee will be meeting with Hennepin Parks in the near future. City Administrator Moorse had asked Doug Bryant to reconsider ways to cut costs of the trail system. Other options will be investigated along with safety issues. An estimated cost was $225,000 for a two-way trail along the shoulder of Old Crystal Bay Road from County Road 6 to the Luce Line. (#3) DAKOTA RAIL McMillan explained she attended a meeting with Dakota Rail in July. Representatives from the DNR and Mn/Dot spoke and both were surprised to see interest in a trail that had not yet been abandoned. Steps were discussed to acquire railroad right-of-way property. In the year 2008, a balloon payment would be due by Dakota Rail. The railroad currently is an active, privately owned company. Chair Flint added the State would have the right of first refusal if the railroad was abandoned. McMillan pointed out the railroad is worth $1,300,000. The meetings are held so the communities can be prepared in case of abandonment in the future. It would be valuable as a trail because it connects to downtown areas of several cities. 6 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 7, 1993 (#4) FRIENDS OF THE PARKS AWARD McMillan proposed a 7:00 p.m. reception be held at the October Park Commission meeting to present the award to Tamarack Senior Center. Cider, coffee and cookies would be served and also pictures would be taken. She would proceed with plans and prepare a press release, invite the Council and contact the Tamarack Senior Center. It was moved by McMillan, seconded by Wilson to ask the Council to spend $100.00 from the park dedication fund to be used for purchase of a Friends of the Park Award, the 1993 presentation to be made to the Tamarack Senior Center. Ayes 6, nays 0. Howells suggested an award resolution be drafted by the City to be framed and presented that evening. Flint suggested that the amount be increased to $125.00 to allow for additional costs in connection with framing of the resolution. All agreed that this be done. White suggested some time in the future a petty cash fund be established to cover miscellaneous costs. (#7) OLD CRYSTAL BAY SITE McMillan discussed a meeting held with Councilmember Hurr. Hurr suggested a memo be sent to Council listing proposals to coordinate the process. McMillan presented members with a draft memo requesting Council's input regarding funding, starting date and public involvement. She would like to recruit two residents to a subcommittee for future planning. Randi Carlson, a local resident, has already met with the committee. Some possible suggestions for land use would be to combine A and B into one green open space which could be accomplished by closing Prospect Avenue between South Brown and Arbor Avenue. Parcel C could be sold as one residential lot. Plans for future parking for the post office should be taken into consideration at this time. Chair Flint suggested rewording the memo to ask Council if they would like the Park Commission to recruit residents to help with the planning process. After much discussion, it was decided to leave the statement as originally worded. Howells inquired about the Old Chamber building. McMillan said at this time nothing has been decided. It might be moved on to the school property but lead had been discovered in the paint so the building is fenced off. A suggestion has been made for a tree to be lit during the holiday somewhere in the vicinity. 7 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 7, 1993 OLD CRYSTAL BAY SITE - CONT. Wilson added the area is unsightly and perhaps grass could be put in for the time being. It was moved by McMillan, seconded by Howells, to send a memo to Council requesting a coordinated involvement begin with the Park Commission regarding the Old Crystal Bay site. Ayes 5, nay 0. (#8) UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA SURVEY White reported that the University conducts surveys but not everyone has been satisfied with its services and fees. He will consult with other groups to obtain input on the fee structure and sample formats of surveys. NEW BUSINESS Wilson noted short court basketball at Hackberry is finished except lines need to be added. She noted the golf course figures have never been presented to the Park Commission. Chair Flint reminded everyone to turn in the park surveys at the next meeting. ADJOURNMENT Chair Flint adjourned the meeting of the Park Commission at 10:12 p.m. A special meetin�Lis scheduled for Monda�September 20, 1993 at 7:15 p.m. and the next re�ular meeting will be Tuesdav, October 5, 1993 at 7:00 n.m. ,,� % o: , _ �� � ��� . ; � �..t Richard Flint, Chair Person 8