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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-05-1993 Park Commission Minutes c � DRAFT MINUTES OF THE PARK COMNIISSION MEETING OF OCTOBER 5, 1993 ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met on the above date with the following members present: Richard N. Flint, Robert Howells, Sherokee Ilse, Susan Wilson,�Lili McMillan, Jim White and Alex Vongries. John Gerhardson, Public Works Director, Mike Gaffron Assistant Zoning Adrrunistrator and Recorder Marva Hurst represented City Staff. Chair Flint called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. � (#1) FRIENDS OF THE PARK AWARD TO TAMARACK SEIVIOR CITIZEN CENTER The Park Commission held a reception before the meeting to present the Friends of the Park Award to the Tamarack Senior Citizen Center. (#2) APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by White, seconded by Howells, to approve the minutes of the September 7, 1993 meeting. Ayes 7, Nays 0. (#4) CROSS COUNTRY SKI PROPOSAL AT ORONO GOLF COURSE Mr. Peter Wells was present. Mr. Wells gave a brief history of cross country skiing at the Orono Golf Course. He stated that the ski organization would like to see a more formalized ski program at the golf course with upgraded grooming in cooperation with the DNR and the opportunity to hold six informal ski race events. Chair Flint asked how City Staff feels about this proposal. Gerhardson said the City thinks it is a good proposal and it should be pursued. Mr. Wells commented that he had spoken with Ron Moorse who told him the insurance policy covering the golf course would be adequate. McMillan asked whether there is any concern regarding the clubhouse. Gerhardson stated that the City had no concerns regarding the Clubhouse. Chair Flint mentioned that Ron Steffenhagen said a City employee would be required to be present during clubhouse operation hours at a cost of appro�mately $6.00 per hour for about 2-3 hours. Mr. Wells stated that the organization would reimburse the City for the cost of personnel. White asked if rental equipment could also be provided by Mr. Wells' group. 1 a , - . , - _ R�►FT D (#4) CROSS COUNTRY SKI PROPOSAL (continued) Mr. Wells replied they could accommodate that request. White asked about the need for State cross-country ski permits. � Gerhardson stated that the DNR has no authority over the golf course, even though they would be grooming the trail. It was moved by Wilson, seconded by White to recommend to City Council for approval of the proposal as proposed. Ayes 7, Nays 0. (#5) REPORT ON OBA Randy Bosma from OBA was present. N1r. Bosma updated the Commission on the funding proposal and schedule for meeting with other city councils. Chair Flint asked if the OBA had met with the School District. Bosma stated that Neal Lawson of the School District indicated that they would not enter into a contract with any athletic organization. The concern is that other athletic organizations might then ask for the same sorc of assistance. Chair Flint asked when the meeting with the School Board would occur. Bosma said that it would occur after the City Council approved the proposal. Ilse commented that Mayor Callahan had indicated that any contracts or agreements should be made before the Council meeting if possible as it would make the Council's decision easier. Chair Flint asked if the work would be done this fall. Bosma stated that it probably would not happen this fall. (#3) PARK SURVEYS Chair Flint stated that the Park Surveys needed to be reviewed to determine the effectiveness and make a decision to continue using them. Vongries and McMillan will collect the surveys and review them. They will give a report at the ne:ct Park Commission meeting. 2 DR�►FT (#6) REPORT ON BIKE/HIKE TRAIL Chair Flint had nothing to report at this time. Ilse suggested that a fundraiser would be a good idea to raise public awareness and interest � about the trail and raise funds. � Ilse will share responsibility to organize this event. Further discussion involved charging an entrance fee versus pledges, mazketing the event through bike shops, involving youth groups to obtain pledges. Wilson asked about options that are being explored for the trail. Chair Flint indicated that the committee is considering paving the shoulder, but does not know whether this will be acceptable to Hennepin County Park Reserve District. McMillan sugoested using the shoulder on Willow through Long Lake and getting their assistance. The problem with Old Crystal Bay Road is the expense involved with the drainage ditch. Chair Flint commented that the reason for choosing Old Crystal Bay Road was (a) since it was entirely in Orono it would not require Long Lake approval and (b) that it could be tied into Noerenberg. (#7) SKETCH PLAN REVIEW - COFFIN/DICKEY PROPERTIES Mr. and Mrs. Dickey were present along with their architect, Dick Putnam. Mr. Putnam gave a brief description of the proposal for development of the Dickey property. Part of the property includes an azea of great religious and cultural significance to the Native American population and is asking the Park Commission for their thoughts and interests regarding development of the area as an Orono pazk, possibly creating a trail from the site to the DNR woods. Mr. Putnam also talked about tieing in the trail on Old Crystal Bay Road and creating a private trail through the Coffin property down to the Luce Line. Mrs. Dickey talked about the history of the area, as it relates to Native American culture, and the geology of the area. She indicated that several experts agree that the burial site is of special and significant area. Mr. and Mrs. Dickey have decided that they want the area protected for future generations to enjoy and learn from and especially for the preservation of the culture and history for Native Amencans. 3 �RAFT (#7) SKETCH PLAN REVIEW - COFFIN/DICKEY PROPERTIES (continued) Wilson asked how often the Native Americans come to the site, to which Mrs. Dickey replied that they come at "Indian Time" and that there is no overnight stay. Mrs. Dickey talked about the barn on the property and the fact that it also has a lot of historical significance. Much of the barn would qualify for historic buildin� status. Mr. Putnam indicated that the condition of the barn is probably quite sound. Wilson asked if the site would be more historical rather than recreational. Mrs. Dickey replied that it could be both and open to all people. Mr. Putnam�talked about other azeas around the Twin Cities that have similar sites and how they've been utilized such as Minnesota Bluffs in Bloomington. However, whereas the Bloomington site is recent, the Dickey site is ancient. He went on to say that the Dickey's could protect the site privately but there would obviously be no benefit to the community. Flint asked for more explanation about the trail sites. Mr. Putnam said they would dedicate an easement along Old Crystal Bay Road. The walkina trail down to the DNR woods would be 30' wide and 1,100' long, approximately 1 acre. The burial site is approximately 3.3 acres. The trail on the Coffin property would be mostly for the benefit of the homeowners. Flint asked about eYtending the trail on the Coffin property to access Lot 1. Mr. Putnam thought it was not really necessary because of the other available trails and that it could cause conflicts within the development. The Commission reviewed the Orono trail plans. Gerhardson reviewed the trails around the developments. Flint asked about the park to the west of Old Crystal Bay Road. Gerhardson indicated it is Cygnet and is not currently developed and that it doesn't abut the Coffin property. White stated that he feels the proposed use for the site on the Dickey property is the best and only possible use. He indicated he was hoping to see an easdwest connection through the northern portion of the property. Putnam said that staff wanted to see an east/west connection through the site. The northerly area is where all the trees are located. A more southerly location interferes with the lots. He felt that the street running through the approximate middle (eastJwest) of the property would be a better and safer location for bike traffic. 4 ���� � (#7) SKETCH PLAN REVIEW - COFFIN/DICKEY PROPERTIES (continued) . Gaffron indicated that the reason the east/west streets through the middle end in cul-de-sacs has to do with the issue of public street maintenance. McMillan asked about the plans for the eYisting structures to the east and west of the proposed interpretative center. Mr. Putnam stated that they aze not certain yet pending septic testing information. They have considered keeping the esisting area and caretakers house to be used publicly. Flint asked if the Developer planned to build the trail from the historic site to the Luce.Line in or just set aside the land. . Mr. Putnam said they felt it would be to their advantage to develop the trail themselves. Ilse indicated that she is very interested in the park site and would like to work with the Native Americans to develop it. White stated that he'd like to see the barn included in the project and that it would be wise to develop it at the same time, but this could be very expensive. N1r. Putnam mentioned that there may be other sources of funding such as the Indian community itself. White suggested CDBG funds. Flint asked if the north/south trail through the center of Dickey property would be appropriate for biking. Mr. Putnam indicated that mountain bikes could easily use the trail and that it could be paved as well. McMillan asked about the timeframe. Mr. Putnam indicated that they have been delayed waiting for a wetlands analysis. They plan to be at the next Planning Commission meeting and City Council meeting following that. Mr. Putnam reviewed the wetland areas on the a map he provided. There was further discussion regarding wetlands on both properties and where Cygnet Park is located. Gerhardson eYplained that Cygnet is an acre of land set aside for future park. It's accessed off Signet Place. Flint indicated that he'd like to see Cygnet Park tied into the Coffin Property. Gaffron showed on a map the location of Cygnet Park, saying that it is an area that will be surround by homes. 5 DRAFT (#7) SKETCH PLAN REVIEW - COFFIN/DICKEY PROPERTIES (continued) It was agreed that the Park Commission would tour the Dickey property Saturday, October 9 at 8:00 a.m. Ilse commented that she felt the north/south bike trail is not really necessary in view of the planned regional trail adjacent to Old Crystal Bay Road. Flint wants the Developer and the Park Commission to eonsider tying the Coffin property into Cygnet Park. Mr. Putnam asked whether the Park Commission could express their views to the Planning Commission so there would be no waste of time. The Developers need to begin septic tests immediately. Flint commented that the cost issue is very important and that the Park Commission needs to review funding sources, particularly if the barn is preserved. Vongries asked what the dedication fees would be for this development? Flint commented that of the 68 acres of the Dickey property, the areas already dedicated nearly equal the required 8% of value: 3.3 acres for the burial site, 1 acre in the north/south trail, and nearly 1 acre dedicated to the trail on the east side of Old Crystal Bay Road. On the Coffin property, unless there would be some connection to Signet Pazk, there would be a cash fee. OTHER Wilson stated that all asphalt metal and rock will be removed from the sewer property before the chisel plow comes in. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by McMillan; seconded by Ilse to adjourn the meeting of the Park Commission at 9:45 p.m. Ayes: 7 Nays 0. Richard N. Flint 6