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Home My WebLink About12-05-1994 Park Commission Minutes 1 � 4 � ORONU PARK CaM?V�I55ION NIEETING MINUTES FOR �ECEIwIBER 5, 1994 ATTENDAi�1�E The Park Co�nmissicsn met on the above date with the�t�Ilowing mernbers present: Richard Ftint, Susan Wilson, Sherokee I1se, Robert Hourells, and 3ames White. Liii McMillan and Alex \Tangries were absent. Pubiic t3Vorks I?irector, 3ohn Gerhardson, and Recarder, Sherry Frost, represe�ted Sta#� Chair Fiint �alted the�neet}ng to order ai ?:15 P��- (#1) SAGA HILL PRESERVATIC71� SfJCIETX: FRt.}POSAL F4R SAGA HILL PARK AND NA7`IJR�PRESERVE The following members ofthe Saga Hiil Preservaiion Society were present at the rne�ting to update the cornmissianers on their prQpasals for the Sa,ga Hi11 Park and l�iature Preserve: Jean Rostad af 4650 To��kavie�v I�ane, Irene Silber of 4625 West Branch Raad, Patricia A�FFe�dt of 47b5 Tonkaview Lane, Vb£endy C}l�on af I405 Rest Pvint Rc�ad, and Steve Ruce of 4625 West Branch Road. The Commission's cor�tact persan is Pat�icia Affeldt, w�tose phorie number is 472-77Q$_ The Preservation�iciety meets at the church by Saga H'tll �n'Thursdays at 'I:QO p_m. Silber reported that their group is made up of inembers of the Saga Hill neigYtborhood and petitian sign�rs, who are in favor af preserving the land for parks and nature trai(s. The Trust for Public Land and the Minnesota Lanc3 Trust have volunteered ta assist the group in their quest to acquire land far public use. The group's�oai, naw that the City is in the pracess of acq{�iring the 9.5 acres for pub{ic use, is t+�look at the rest af the open land on Saga Hi�l, which is appraximately 50 a�res ofmostly wetland and waods, and see�fth�s land can t�e greserved for walking paths an�i other passive uses. They would like to wark with the land owners and a�uire land through satisfactory compensation. It was noted that the�;roup was informed by tt�e Trust for P�blic Land that Midway Bank, wha owns 1 Z acres received in bankruptcy, will often danate land for public use. Silber and Affeldt described ihe tand. The wetland to the narth drains into Forest Lake on the East, which has steep slopes_ The middle sectir�n is high and contains a ravine which. runs down the middle in the so�thern part. T�e group is con�erned with possible erosion. It vvas noted t�rat this land was plotted some time ago. Tt�ere are ni�land owners involved in this large area, aii af whom the group say are absentee tanc3 owners_ It was rep�rted that the County is presently only receiving approximate}y $S7a0 a year from reai esiate tax�s o�t the 50 acres. In describing surrounding lanc�,the grQup said it consists af parcels betwee�two and ten acres. There are sm�:ller par�eis an CoRd I9 and Tonkaview Lane, where it is zoned far one acre lats. One to twc�acre l�ots ars t�n the nor�heast sectian. i � ,. � MINUTES OF THE REGULAR QRC1�fl P�RK COMNIISSION M�ETING HELD �N I7ECEMBER 5, 1994 (#�} _ �aga Hii1 Preservation Society Fropasal -Continued} 'I'he group reported that not only dc�es t�is area have historica.l significance, but it is rich in wildlife, especially bird and deer populatian. Owls,blackbirds, woadpeckers, and hawks ha�e�e�n seen. A study of the wi��life present in Saga Hil1 is part of the group's future plans. l`�lsfln preser�t�d phatographs of the Saga Hilt Ia�c�to the commission m�mbers. Sii$er asked what is considered the "protected zane" around Lake Minnetonlca and w�at it mea.ns_ Flint reportec!�his zone is the area back£rc�m tt�c lake v,�hich directly affects the lake and is regulated under shoreline regulations. Gerhardson noted that the bluff zanes ar�regulated differentiy. Flint sug�ested that a formal arrangement be made with the church regarding the use of t�eir parking ic�t and access tt� Saga Hit}area_ W"elson, along with Hc�wells,volurn�red tc� vvork �s a liasc�n with the group in their effects. The "�pen Space Inventory" memorandum written by City Administrator Moorse to the Maypr�nd C��ncil members was passed aut. This reflects#he need of the City t�identify and evaluate the open spaces remaining in Qrono and ra.nk ali undeveioped land a�to its potential pu�-pose anc3 resources. S�ga Hill is a good example of land this memo refers to. Flint �-equested that the "()pen Space Inventory" memo be formally attached to the meetin�mi�utes. (#2)APPRO►VAL UF MINUTES QF QGTQBER 4, 1944 AND NOVEMBEIt?, 1994 The Qctob�r 4 minutes were correeted as follovvs: 1)pg 2, item #6, 3rd paragraph, the neightw�was identified as Tim Patirin, 2)Pg-5, item#9, two girl scaug t�'oQps, not several; and 3)pg b, item#10, voiunteers, not contributars. Howells moved, Wilson seconded, to approve th�Minutes of the 4ctober�, l 994 Parks Commission Meetin�as amend�. A�es 4, IrTays Q. (White was no[present during approval of the minutes.) The Npvemt�er 7 minutes were correeted as fallows: 1)pg 2, item#SA, "the bike trail probably�v�11 not be cc�mpleted until s�ring"; t�nc3 2}pg 4, item #7, water depth measurements are "frc�m 2'to the deepest af 3"?N 4f Wilson mQved, Ilse seconded, to apprQve the Minutes of the November 7, 1994 Parks Commission A�esting. Ayes 3, Nays 0, 1 Abstaining(Hc�welis). 2 ( • MINUTES OF THE RECiLJLAR ORC)NO PARK C4MMISSIQN MEETING�-IELD O�DECEMBER 5, 1�4 (#2 - Appraual of Minutes-Continueci} It was noted that the letters of appreciation had been sent out to pa.rk volunteers. Gerhardsvn sait3 the n�w recruitm�nt letter had nat yet b�n sent. Commissioners decidect it was besi to wait un#il January to send the recruitment}etters. NfcMillan would like ec�pies of the tetter sen# to the Fark�ammissic,�r►ers. Ilse sa'sd the middle schooi needs�tacements in January and May for student cammunity valunteers. Ilse suggested Gerh�dsan cantact the�ommunity Educatian's "Youth i�- Action" program for futur�Cit_y pianting and clean-up projects. (#3)C011'�I�ISSIQN MEMBERS TO ATTEI�TD CITY COUNCIL MEETIN�S The foIlowing schedule was made for commission members to attend couneil meetings: 12l12 - Ilse 119 -Wilson 1/23 - �lint 2/l3 -Ilse Z�2? -Howetls (#4}C�1�1M1SSION MEETiNG SCHEDULE FOR 199�; PR�PAItATI(3N UF ACTION PLAN FOR 1995 The meeting schedt�le for 1995 was disc�ssed. Flint wcruld like ta move the Wednesday, �u�u�t 2, meeting ta Tuesday, August i. This was s�tisfactory with tlze other members present. Flint presented the members with a draft of the 1 gR5 Action Agenda. The agenda vvas discussed and finalized for 1995 arid is a�follc�vvs: 1. t�gnter Recreatian Program a)Maintenance af Ice Rinks b)Orono�1f Caurse Win#�r F��ecreation Pragra�n 2. Planning fQr Park at Former City Hall Site a)I�ame. �`rystal Bay Park b) Subcam�nittee Consisting of McMi�lan(CRair), Wilse,n, Gerhardsan, and Randi Carlson 3 • MINUTES QF THE REGULAR 4R4NQ PARK COMMISSIOI�( h'iEETING HELD O�N DE��ER 5, 199�4 (#4- i 395 Action Agenda - Continued) 3. Planning for 1995 Trails at Highwac�d and Lawry Woods Subcammitt�e Consisting of Wilson �Chair), McMiltan and Flint 4_ Opening of Littie League Baseball Diamonds 5. Grand Qpening af French Creek Preserve - Late April or Early May, Sunday p.m_ 6. 1995 Park Taur-June, 1995 7. Planning for Saga Hill Park and Nature Preserve - V�ilson&Howells, Liasons 8, Cc�mpletion ofFallowing Segments vfBik�lHikB Trail: a}Brown Road from Highway 12 to Caunty Rc�ad 6 b} Old Crystal Bay Road from�,uce I.,ine ta Watertt��un Rvad c)Sa.ker Park to Railroad Bridge on 01d Crystal Bay Road 9. Update af Park and �pen Spac�Partion of 14&Q (?rono Community 14�Ianagement Plan. Set Asitie a Work Session. Specifics discussed regarding the agenda are as follows: Wilson reported that the trail for Highwaod(under item#3)has a a�ea off of CoRd 19 which would be conv�ent fc�r a pasking lc�t area. She fett it was impartant for buses to be abte to enter and use the lot. Gert�a�-dsc>n is tooking into the details af clearin�the area and puttin�gravel in. Estimaies are being sought fgr a future picnic table and signage. Ho�raells reporteci the trail was wood-chipped at one point. `I'he commissian members would like to eacourage the neighbors'involvement in the upkeep of the trail. Highwo�od Trail witl be ot�the Park Commission Agenda for 3anuary. � MINUTES 4F THE I�EGULAR 4RON0 PARIC G4MMISSION MEETII�G HELD C?1*�r D�GE11ri8ER 5, 3944 (#4- Actian rlgenda - Continued) Wi4son found that the Lowry 1�Voods trai! project will be more compGcaied. A small grivate road v�ili be enla�rged by a new su�di3rision developer but an easement witl be needed to allaw far access. This trail has an area for a parking l�t but becaus�of a ravine w•ouict rec�uire�ither a laxge culvert ar a bridge. Gerhardson recpmmended a culvert, which�uouid be much iess e.�pensive, but is checking into costs for both a bridge and th� culvet-t. Th�cQmmissian�rs�ref�r the br�dg�.gver a culvert far a�sthetics. Bt�th �ptic�ns v�ill be analyzed. LQwry Woc�ds wilt be on ihe Febn�ary agenda of the Park Commissian_ Flint remarked an a recent news arkicle v�hhere a local fanvly in Wayzata donated a Iarge sum for a parlc in Wa��ata. F�in# made nc�te that we also h�ve many puhtic-m�nded citizens in Qrono and woutd like to publicize the needs of the City ta citizens for pQssible future sgonsorships. Residents need it�be aware of these need�in order to contribute their assistance and donations in their areas of interest. Under items#4 and 5, the members did not want the openin�; ceremonies far the baseball diamt�nds and French Creek Preserve tc►canflict anci sug�ested late 1�pril or early]4iay far French Creek's opening. Ideas presentecl for the opening consisted of duek iden�if�ation and prairie restoratiQn haix3�uts, tours and inforn�atian sheets about the preserve, a ribt��n cutting by the Mayor, a bring-your-picnic-basket type of community invitation, and invitations to the Council members and athers wha have assisted in the work at French Creek, i.e., Pete]�leyers and the Girl Scout Trcx�ps. The commissioners will haue phatos tak�n a��gi��en to the lc�cal pap�rs along with a news�tory of tlie event. The Park Tour, item#C wilt be part ofthe nc�rmal Pa�-ks Commission Meeting caf June 6, 19�5_ Wiison and HQwelts were addt�i as liasans under#7. The trail plan information (#8)was updatec�. Brown Road fram Highway l2 to CoRd 6 will be compieted early in the upcoming year. Fro�ress is being made on the Dickey property trail. A contract is being drafted re�arding the Baker Park to th�railroad bridge on 03d Crystaj Bay Road portion. The members would 3ike the funding tv be from MSA funds. The trai! portion cost this year is�16Q,OQ0, which is 2l3rds ofthe MSA funds available. Council inember 3abbc�ur`s cancern with possibiy needing MSA funds for other important projects was discussed. (?ptians fc►r grant pragrams such as ihe ISTEA Grant was aiso discussed but found na#ta be a probable source of funding. 5 • MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ClRONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD O�I�FCEMBER 5, �994 (#4 - A►ction Agend�a- Cantinued) The�pen space and park update under item #9 revealed the need tc�revise the�rono Park Pian. The first step has been done which is the recent survey. The me�rs felt that a classifiGation r�nking s�toutd be developed fc�r nature preserves, passive parks, community parks, stc. The members will individually�aok at what they feel shauld be the lon�and short term gQats, develapm+�nt Qf standard definitions for different types aFparks, �nd th�n �ring the infc�tmati�rt together at�wFt�rk session to develap a consentual plan. The Park Commissiuners diseussed the signage at the City parks and preserves. Havvells moved, tiVhite secQnderl, to add the verba�� "Orono Parks" to new signs that wi�id�tify City parks in the fizture. Those signs already mentioning Orano in some fa�hion will rernain as they no�.�r are. Tt►e mern�ers rec�mmend "OronQ Parks" be added to park signs which present3y ma�e na mention af the City itsetf. (#5}M_4INTE11tANCE QF ICE RINKS Ft)R 199495 Gerhardsan repc3;rted that the ice rinks are being flooded but have be�n hindered by the was�n, unsta�ie weather. This along with fhe newly rec�mtnenc�ed slc�wer flc�ociing process has resulted in a later starting date far skating this year. Rinks shouid be open irt abaut tzuo u�ee�. (#6) WINTER ItECREATTON PROGRAM - ORON� GOLF COITRSE Gerhardson stated this item wiil be an the Councii age�da on December 12. The clubhouse is proposed tt�be c�pen Wednesday evenings and 5aturday and Sunday afternoons from 12-4 p.m. The�ity will have a cancession stand open to off-set the operating�osts. A public phone wi�I be a�ai�able. An ad alang with pramatians frt�m�the ski club will notify the public of the��ailability c�f the golf course far sledding artc� crass- country skiing. Jan Guer�iher of Gear�e�k.�rill mairtiain the cro�s-coun#ry ski trail. 6 MINUTES O� THE REGtJLAR ORONO PARK COMMISSI4N MEETING HELia ON D�GEMBER 5, 1994 (#7}SIKE/HIl{E TRAIL OLD CRYSTAL B�Y ROAD As noted under the Action Ager�da, the Bro�m Raad trait from Hwy 12 ta CoRd 6 should be completed ir�the spring. OId Crystal Bay Raad from the Luce Line to WatertQwn will be built in the sp�ing, except far the Thompsan and Minick properties. The Dickey prflperty�uiil have shoulders, hlack-to�aped, paid with�ity funds. The Hennepin Parks will pay ha]f of the Baker Park ta Old Crystal Bay Road portion. Then ta the railraad bri�ge wi�l be paid by Orono at this tim�but when completed will transfer tc�Hennepin Parks as nated in the draf�ed agreement. There will be five years allowed to complete the plar�. C'rer�-dson reported that any r��nrnents regardin�the agreenYent shauld be directed ta Moorse as saon as passible. It v�ras noted that the properiy north af I?ickey's was for sale and wi11 rnore thar�likely be subdivi�}ecl. Txail funding and land acquis}tiar�can then be negotiated wrth�uture developers. Wil�n voi�d her cQncern with the possib�lity of a dispportion$te amaunt of Park Dedie�tion Fees usec�for the ts�ai3 �vith sa many ather park issues requiri�g funding. The importanee of discussing traii funding with Councii members�.uas emphasized. Brown Road p�rtion where 5'wide sidewalks are bean�cc�nstructed will be paid k�y non-MSA funding and will cost approa�imately$50,p00. It is undecide� where this mc�ney will come from but Park Dedication fees is a possibility. Wilsan inaved, White seconded, to request the Councii to apprave the us�e 4f MSA fianding fc�r the t�ld Crystal Bay Road bike trail for that portion which is allowable. Ayes 5,Nays 0. The draft �f the agreement was discussed. Cfn the page before the agreement �xnder „funding,� ihere noted the possibility of borrowing money frQm Park 3�+eclication Fees fQr the trail unt�l the MSA funds became auailab�e. Item#9 spoke c�f whQ was to patrol the Erails. Wilson��vould like tv eheck into this issue further. Other areas diseussed were#2 t- the responsibiliiy for dispasal pf hazardous materials by th�City; clarif�cation of#5, and #b-wh�wouid use the trai� �d what u�oul�l be allc�wed(rollerblades, skis). Th�draft cc�ntained the ability of the Gity addressing an issue if it arose which all cammis�iQners felt v�as important�nd n�essary- Howel4s mav�, Ilse secc>nded, to accept the draft of the agreement conceptually. Ayes 5, Nays 0. � MINUTES{,1F THE I2EGULAR C1RONfl PARK C�MMISSI4N MEETING HELD OI'�t DECEMBER 5, 199� (#S)QTHER BUSINES� Gerhardson repQrted that the Otten praperty an CoRd 6 has been sotd tc�Mark Sealand. Infot�matian has b�n sent to Sealand re�ardin�obtaining an easernent for the bikelhiice trail. Ilse repc�rted on the prablems with snou�mohilers in Bederwaod and the need far better si�mage. It �as als�reporter3 t�Zat snr�wm�bi�ers were traveiing the vvrc�ng directiQn+�n the Luce Line Side. Gerharti�on said the pQlice�epartment shauld be notifie�when this flCCtITS. ADJOLiRNM�NT Ilse moved, Witson seconded, to adjourn at 9:50 p.m. Ayes S,Nays 0. ✓ � / , � ,' i , i Z��_.. u-L- "�t� Richard N. Flint, Chair �