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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-01-1993 Park Commission Minutes T � iVIINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF NOVEMBER 1, 1993 ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met on the above date with the following members present: Richard N. Flint, Robert Howells, Alex Vongries, Sherokee Ilse, Susan Wilson, Lili McMillan and James White. John Gerhardson, Public Works Director and Carole Haseman, Recorder represented City staff. Randi Carlson, a neighbor of the Old Crystal Bay Site also was present. Chair Flint called the meeting to order at 7:17 p.m. (#1) APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Wilson, seconded by McMillan, to approve the minutes of the October 5, 1993 Park Commission meeting. Ayes 6, nays 0. (Ilse was not present for vote). (#2) STATUS OF OBA LITTLE LEAGUE FIELD Chair Flint reported that the expenditure of park dedication fees in the amount of $20,000 had been approved by the City Council for the OBA Little League field. Gerhardson reported that he had attended a meeting with Neal Lawson of the School District and was expecting a preliminary draft of a lease later in the week. The City will lease the land from the School and will then sublease it to OBA. Wilson inquired what other cities are participating in the project. Gerhardson replied he was not certain as to commitments from other cities and was awaiting a report from Randy Bosma of the OBA. Chair Flint asked if any construction would begin this fall. Gerhardson answered it looked doubtful because the lease has not actually been signed. The Park Commission will be reviewing all future plans and agreements. Chair Flint asked that future documents and information regarding OBA Little League field should be forwarded immediately to the Park Commission's subcommittee rather than waiting for the next Park Commission meeting. The subcommittee will then report to the full Park Commission and will submit final documents for its review. (#3) REPORT ON PARK SURVEYS McMillan listed three options for the park monitoring system: 1) continue for another month and collect forms at December meeting; 2) narrow the monitoring down to a specific park or issue; 3) or set it aside for an indefinite period of time. 1 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF NOVEMBER 1, 1993 PARK SURVEYS - CONT. Vongries felt there was no enthusiasm from Commission members for monitoring the program. Wilson expressed an interest in monitoring the ice rinks to see if a need exists. She also suggested using volunteer people in the neighborhoods to monitor the parks. Because of their close proximity to the parks, Ilse could monitor Bederwood and White could monitor the Casco park. McMillan offered to locate a volunteer to monitor the Hackberry Park. Vongries agreed to monitor the Antoine park. McMillan stated at the December meeting forms will be provided to everyone to monitor the ice rinks during the winter months. Flint asked Gerhardson what would be done this year to obtain better ice quality. Gerhardson replied the rinks will be monitored more frequently. All rinks are on a regular schedule for snow removal with flooding done as needed. An important aspect for making ice is to develop good base layers of ice on the rink. (#4) PROPOSED DICKEY/COFFIN SUBDIVISION Gerhardson reported the Dickey/Coffin subdivision proposal had gone before the City Council who requested written documentation on preservation of the Native American site. Council liked the idea of a park but questioned the costs involved for development and requested Park Commission's input. Vongries commented he is not sure the City needs a park in that particular location. The City is not in the business of maintaining heritage centers or interpretive centers. He feels only residents within the proposed development would use the trails. The owners should develop the property within reason and contribute to the park development fund. Cygnet Park is an example of an unused, undeveloped park which has no need. The community does not need small pieces of land. Chair Flint stated Cygnet Park is designed to be a neighborhood park and the community will need neighborhood recreational facilities as it develops. Wilson inquired if a park is needed in this subdivision because of its close proximity to Hackberry Park, the Luce Line and the DNR park. 2 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF NOVEMBER 1, 1993 DICKEY/COFFIN - CONT. McMillan commented that as part of future development plans for Highway 12, Mn/Dot would be conducting a study to determine if the area is a sacred site. She is against an interpretive center because of the potential traffic increase for the neighborhood and also there is a lack of money to fund such a project. Chair Flint stated if it is determined to be a sacred site, he would be in favor of preserving the site. He is not in favor of utilizing the barn as it does not have any relationship to the sacred site and would be too expensive to renovate. Parks are built for a variety of purposes not just for recreation. He reminded everyone that Cot�ncil is asking for Park Commission's recommendation. It was moved by Howells to table the matter until a determination is made regarding the authenticity of the sacred site. McMillan replied it could take over a year before Mn/Dot has a decision. Ilse stated a meeting is scheduled with Pat Dickey on Thursday to walk the land and discuss the park. She is interested in finding out further information as to the Dickeys' ideas for preservation of the land and described a gathering ceremony held last week with a "medicine man" on the site. This could possibly be an educational opportunity for children within our local community and elsewhere. Park uses need to be defined. There is a need for preservation of open spaces and special places. White suggested that a combination of uses within the park system be established. Wilson felt the Park Commission should not be involved with an interpretive center for Indian culture but it could be an opportunity for the Long Lake Museum or Orono schools. Ilse commented different needs could be provided to the residents and Orono could be an entry point for cultural diversity. Chair Flint explained a typical neighborhood park is for people within a 1/2 mile radius and feels a need to have park sizes defined. Land needs to be set aside now for future park development and if it is not needed, it can always be sold later. After much discussion and consideration of the topography, vegetation and location of other parks, it was moved by Chair Flint, seconded by McMillan, as follows: 3 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF NOVEMBER 1, 1993 DICKEY/COFFIN - CONT. 1. The Park Commission favors preservation of the Native American sacred site (approximately 3 acres) on the south side of Watertown Road if it can be established that this is in fact a Native American sacred site or a Native American burial site. 2. The Park Commission would not favor preservation of the existing barn because of the extensive cost of restoration and because it is not compatible with the theme of preserving the site as a Native American sacred site. 3. The City does not have the resources or staff to operate an interpretative center on the site. 4. The City should accept grant of an easement to the east of Old Crystal Bay Road right-of-way and drainage ditch as a part of the City's bike/hike trail system. The developer should be asked to construct this portion of the trail at the time it constructs its roadways on the Dickey property. 5. The interior bike/hike trail proposed by the developer would be primarily for the use of residents of the development and therefore would be up to the developer to provide. 6. The developer should consider providing a neighborhood park on the Coffin property in the vicinity of the Luce Line and Old Crystal Bay Road. Ayes 7, nays 0. (#8) PARK PLANNING FOR FORMER CITY COUNCIL SITE Chair Flint said the matter was on the agenda for the Park Commission to discuss the procedure for planning of a park in the former City Council site. Randi Carlson, a concerned neighbor, was present to follow-up on any future plans for the area. McMillan explained she would go before the Council to present a memo inquiring as to the time frame for development of the area. Wilson asked if there was any feedback from the neighbors in the vicinity. Carlson reported the people were pleased that the buildings were torn down. They would like to see grass put in and the area made useable for children. Chair Flint suggested McMillan ask for guidance at the November 8th Council meeting. 4 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF NOVEMBER 1, 1993 (#5) REPORT ON FRENCH CREEK PRESERVE Wilson reminded everyone the Park Commission had made a recommendation in September to name the park French Creek Preserve. She reported the prairie had been planted and hundreds of waterfowl and approximately fifty muskrat houses were sited in the area. With enough rain, the area might be restored back to a larger pond. A sign will be needed in the future. Howells inquired who was transplanting trees. Wilson explained that Bob Melamed, the new owner of the property south of the park, at his expense is transplanting trees out of the City's property to shield the sewer plant from his land. It looks good and Melamed has offered to plant a new tree for every one removed wherever the City would like it. Chair Flint commended the subcommittee and staff for their efforts and work in the area. LOWRY WOODS PARK Howells made reference to a news article indicating park dedication funds had been spent on the Nature Conservancy conveyance and questioned why it had never been approved by the Park Commission. Gerhardson explained that Council appropriated the money without Park Commission's approval and further information as to actual costs will be provided when available. Wilson said she understood it was to cost $1.00 and questioned the cost for a title commitment. Gerhardson explained negotiations had transpired between the Nature Conservancy and the City's legal department. (#7) POSTMORTEM REGARDING FRIENDS OF THE PARK AWARD Chair Flint asked for input on the event. He commented that the only reason it received good news coverage was because Councilmember Hurr was in attendance and took pictures. McMillan said she also took pictures and sent a press release to the newspapers. In all, everyone was pleased with the event. Chair Flint stated that this is another example that nothing happens if it is everybody's job; it only happens when somebody takes the responsibility. He thanked McMillan for her initiative and good work. 5 MINUTES OF THE PARK COMMISSION MEETING OF NOVEMBER 1, 1993 (#6) REPORT ON BIKE/HIKE/TRAIL Chair Flint reported on a proposal received from Doug Bryant of Hennepin County Park Reserve District. Bryant would not support a trail on the shoulder but did offer a creative approach. The Park Reserve District would now build a trail for the part inside Baker Park and along County Road as far as Old Crystal Bay Road. The City would immediately build the trail down to Kelley Parkway. In turn the Park Reserve District asks a commitment from the City that within five years the City will either (a) build the trail the rest of the way along Old Crystal Bay Road down to the Luce Line in accordance with the original plan with a sharing of the cost 50- 50 or (b) the City would designate a trail corridor in the western part of the City and the Park Reserve District would build the trail at its own cost in that corridor. After much discussion, it was determined that more time was needed to allow everyone an opportunity to further review the proposal before making any decisions or recommendations. A special meeting will be held on November 4, 1993 at 7:30 p.m. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Ilse, seconded by Vongries to adjourn the meeting of the Park Commission at 10:37 p.m. Ayes 7, nays 0. A special meetin� is scheduled for Thursday November 4, 1993 at 7:30 p.m. and the next re�ular meetin� will be Monday, December 6, 1993 at 7:15 p.m. , ,- � 'L t r.-� '" ichard N. Flint, Chair Person 6