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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-07-1995 Park Commission Minutes ORQN� PARK C4MMISSION MEETING MINUTES F4R AUGUST ?, 1995 ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met an the above date with the foliowing members present: Chair Richard Flint, Lili McMillan, Sherokee Ilse, James White, Robert Howells, and Andrew McDermott III. Susan Wilson was absent. Council Member Goetten repres�nted the Council. Chair Flint called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. AGENDA (#1} INTRODUCTION UF NEWLY APPUINTED PARK COMMISSI4N MEMBER,ANDREW J. MCDERMUTT III The newly appointed member of the Park Commission, Andrew McDermott III, was introduced and welcomed by Chair Flint. McDerznott is employed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department af Interior, as a landscape architect dealing with �ite design, park designs, as well as kiosk and building designs. McDermott also is familiar with the ADA requirements. He has lived in Orono for 8 years. (#2}APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF 3ULY 13, 1995 McMillan asked that the minutes clarify that the amount of$14,227, approved by the Council for Crystal Bay Playground, be noted as money approved for playgraund equipment. See page 6, 4th paragraph, of the minutes. Howelts moved, McMillan seconded, to approve the minutes of the Park Commission meeting of)uly 13, 1995, as amended. Ayes 5, Nays 0. (#3)PRESENTATION BY ANTOINE PARK NEIGHBQRHOOD ASSOCIATI4N This item was tabled as no member of the association was present. (#4) CONSIDERATION OF LAND OR MONEY TO BE DONATED TO PARK DEDIeATIQN FUND IN CONNEC'I`[ON �VITH THE FOLLQWING SUBDIVISIaNS: (City Staffto provide dollar arnount of the park dedication fee involved if we accept cash and how much this will be reduced if we accept a 12 foot trail easement along the north side of Pox Street in lieu of cash.) 1 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR 4RON0 PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON AUGUST 7, 1995 (#4 -Park Dedication of Land ar Money Considerations - Continued) A. #2031 KELLEY, 2340 FOX STREET- POSSI.BLE TRAIL EASEMENT ALONG THE NORTH SIDE OF FOX STREET B. #2029 SMTTH, 2580 F(?X STREET- POSSIBLE TRAII.,EASEMENT ALONG THE NORTH SIDE OF FOX STREET D. #2043 BUHRER, 2620 FOX STREET Items 4A, B, and D were discussed together as all properties lay on Fox Street. Any determination would affect all three properties. Mr. Smith asked to again table the matter as he was unable to attend the meeting. Smith would like to meet on site with Commission members to see where a trail could go if that option was chosen. Gerhardsan said tabling this issue would not impede the process at this point. Flint noted a trail on Fox Street was shown in the conceptual bike/hike trail plans. No decision on whether it would be located on the north ar south side had been done, however. Flint commented that the homes were closer to the road on the south side as welt as wetlands and utilities. The utilities do switch to the north side farther down the road. Because of this, Flint said a recommendation would be to place a trail on the north side if a trail were decided upon. Flint expressed the desire of all the Commissioners is to keep Fox Street as it is now. The disagreement lies in whether an easement should be taken now in case of a future upgrade of Fox Street. Flint said he believed an easement would allow a trail to be built inland negating the need to have a contiguous trail to a 4'baulevard. Flint reiterated that there is na need for a trail now but an easement would allow the type of trait the Commission would want if future changes were made to Fox Street. If an easement was not taken now, and an upgrade was to be done on Fox Street at some future time, a trail could be built only along the roadway. Goetten voiced her concern with negotiatin�th�wetlands where Fox Street approaches Brown and Orono �rchards Roads. McMill�n said she believed a trail at this location would duplicate that of the Luce Line, which also runs east/west. McMillan thought the money would be better spent in other areas. It was further noted that Fox Street is pretty well developed with onty a couple lots where additional easements cauld be available as subdivisions accur. There is very little dividable land in this area. McMillan later added that the Luce Line geographically divides Clrono and saw CoRd 6 as a possible northern trail route and#he lake area as a praportionate, albeit unlikety, southern trail. Howells asked if Mr. Srruth was for or against a trail on Fox Street. Gerhardson said Smith was originally not for a trail, but he has softened his view and is willing to diseuss it. 2 NllNUTES OF THE REGULAR�RONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON AUGUST 7, 1995 (#4 -Park Dedication of Land or Money Considerations - Continued) Howells moved, White seconded, to table a decision until the Septernber meeting of the Park Commission. Ilse said the Commission shauld decide what they would like ta do and then speak to Mr. Smith. Ilse did not believe one person should influence the Park Commission's decision. McDermott asked when and how the trail conceptual plan was developed. Flint said that 4 or 5 years ago, the Cammission laid out where they felt the best routes would be. CaRd I S was found to be a dangerous area for a trail. The only feasible area between the Luce Line and the lake is Fox Street. Flint noted the Dakota Rail would be a good location if that was ever available. Howells commented that the serious bikers do not use the Luce Line as they prefer a hard surface. McMillan said those serious bikers use the roads only. McDermott asked if the decision was whether a trail was wanted on Fox Street or not. Flint said that was a separate decision. This is the only chance to acquire the easement. Flint cited the Melamed application where an easement will be taken for a narth/south route, but the decisian on the actual trail will be made later. White asked if an easement prevents an owner from cutting trees. After receiving a response to the negative, White added, it would be advantageous to have conservation easements. Ilse said she has spoken with several neighbors in the Fox Street area. The neighbors said they would fight a trail in the area, adding it would duplicate the Luce Line. The neigt�bors said they moved to the area for privacy and would lose that privacy if a trail were to be built. Ilse thought the Park Commission should revisit the bike trail conceptual plan. Ilse later added that even if only a small amount of money is gained, the money could be used to upgrade a park now, such as Antoine. McMillan said approving a trail here would give the public the impression that trails could be a.nywhere and was too invasive to the public. �'ote: Ayes 3, Howells, White, McDermott; Nays 3, McMillan, Flint, Ilse. Motion fails. White moved, Flint seconded, to acquire the easement for the Fox Street properties listed as 4A, B, and D above. White said that although nat every road is a potential trail, he disa�rees that it would be invasive. He said this is the City's anly opportunity to gain the easement over this property. 3 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON AUGUST ?, 1995 (#4 -Park Dedication Land or Money Considerations- Cantinued) McMillan responded that this area is a low density azea, and the residents do not wish to have connecting trails all over. McMillan felt there should onty be a few strategically placed traits. Goetten added that the projections for population were 10,000 in 1980, and Orono presently has about 7,400 people. McDermott commented that Fox Street is one of the few east/west roads, and it will become busier in the future with development to the west. Flint said all members of the Commission are in favor of keeping Fox Street as quiet as it is, but he questioned whether this can be done. McMillan commented that the trail on Brown Road happened with or without easements. White said he did not wish to make a decision based on money when the amount was unknown. Vote: Ayes 2, Flint, White;Nays, 4, Howelis, Ilse, McMillan, McDermott. Motion fails. McMillan moved, Ilse seconded, to recammend money for Park Dedication fund instead of land. Ayes 5, Nays 1, Flint. C. #2051 HILBELINK, 2760 WATERT4WN ROAD Hilbelink is the buyer of the property which is in the conceptual planning stage of development. The trail for this property would be similar to the Dickey property trail as it contains some wetlands necessitating the trail to be located near the road with weaving in and out. The trail will weave in and out from 41d Crystal Bay Road to the top ofthe hill north of it. The ground elevation provides a natural buffer zone. Gerhardson said by acquiring an easement, curb anc!gutter could be avoided. The trail will not be adjacent to the shoulder but will have a separation. McMillan expressed the importance of having input as to where the trail is laid out. Gerhardson said the committee should meet with Bonestroo on site prior to the plans being drawn. McMillan moved, Ilse seconded, to recommend an easement be acquired far a trail; the location of which will be deternuned via a meeting with Bonestroo. This will be contingent upon the Pazk Commission's appraval af the conceptual ptan by the Engineer. 4 MINUTES OF THE REGIILAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION 1VIEETING HELD ON AUGUST 7, 1995 (##4C -#2051 Hilbelink - Continued) Howells voiced concern over the steep eievation. It was determined that the area near the right-of-way of Watertown Road could be curved to aid in safety of traveling along the steep elevation. Gerhardson recommended off-setting this area. The slope reduces significantly as it approaches Watertown Road. The trail will be constructed by the City. llse questioned whether this land would be acquired by fee interest or an easement. Flint said the preference is for a 15' fee interest because the same reductian in park funds seems to occur whether an easement or the fee interest is taken. Gerhardson said easement documents were being drawn because a fee interest would detract frotn the amount of buildable lot. Flint felt that if only an easement were granted, a lesser amount should be deducted from the park fees payable. The members concurred that the wording be carefully spelled out in the resolutian as both land and money would be involved. The above motion will include being subject to a sub-committee or Park Commission approval of how the trail is laid out. The rest of the amount will be in cash. The subcornrruttee eonsists of Flint, McMillan, McDermott, and White. Ilse will be an alternate. T�e final vote on accepting the easement in lieu of cash was Ayas 6, Nays 0. Gerhardson will set up a meeting with Bonestroo ta apprnve the trail layout. The sub-committee will meet with the Engineer on site to ga over the placement of the trail on the property. E. #2047 LAKEVIEW GOLF, 405 N4RTH ARM DRIVE This property is located on the golf course side of North Arm Drive. Flint said no trail is shown in the conceptual plan at that location. McMillan noted a trail location to the south of this property at CoRds 151 and 19. Howells moved, White seconded, ta recommend money be donated to the Park Dedication Fund in connection with this property. Ayes 6, Nays 0. F. #2053 D�NNIS L. PLATTETER, 809 NORTH BRQWN ROAD This property is the first property north of Sugar Woads Development. There is a north/south trail on the property now located in the right-of-way. Flint noted there had been a trail on Sugar Woods that was an easement and was vacated. This property could be viewed as a local east/west trail to Dickey Lake Drive, though, Flint was not proposing this to occw. White moved, McMillan seconded, to recommend money be donated to the Park Dedication Fund in connection with this property. Ayes 6, Nays 0. 5 MINUTES CJF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION NfEETING HELD ON AUGUST 7, 1995 (#5}REPORT BY CITY STAFF ON COST OF 1995 IMPRfJVEMENTS TO OLD CRYSTAL BA�' ROAD BIKE TRAIL(portion to be paid out of park dedication fees and portion to be paid out of DNR grant) Gerhardson included in the packet the information requested on the cost participation for the bike/hike trail on Old Crystal Bay Road. This includes the trail north of Watertown and south of the Dickey property to the Luce Line. The deadline for the completion of the trail for the DNR grant purposes was extended 30 days and must be completed in September. Ilse asked for an approximation on the properties under consideration, such as the Hilbelink's. This information was nat available, but Gerhardson said there would be no curb or gutter at that location but would be using scrap bituminous that has been braken up and reused. Storm sewers will be installed south of the Thompson property. Between the trail and shoulder will be a grass separation similar to that by the Dickey property but coming out closer to the road as there is no easement over private land in this area. The expense of curb and gutter was discussed and said should be avoided whenever possible. It was noted that the City saved money by being able to use the same unit prices as origznally presented in the total trail package. The stormwater, curb and gutter costs are shared Uy the DNR grant but not the work on the shoulder areas. In conclusion, the total cost of the remaining portion of the project from the Luce Line to the top of the hill north of Watertown Road is�46,914.20. The amount eligible far sharing with DNR is $37,315.00. 'The amount reimbursed from the DNR at 50% is $18,b57.00. The amount paid from Park Dedication fund will be $28,257.20. (#6) COMPLETION OF PLANNING FUR FRIENDS OF THE PARK AWARD It was decided to change the date of the award presentation to the Park Commission meeting in November. � MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD �lY AUGUST 7, 1995 (#7) UPDATE UN OTHER MATTERS A. PASSIVE PARK ON DICKEY PR(?PERTY (ILSE/MCMIL.LAN) Ilse reported that she has received background information from Pat Dickey on the Native American history. Dickey has asked that the park remain passive in nature. The pians for the park include displaying the story of the land. Ilse said this could possibly be done with a plaque Iocated on a large boulder. A design for wildflower planting will be discussed by Ilse, McMillan and Wilson. There will be interpretative trails with stations marking what has occuned here and randomly placed benches. Flint asked that the park move fram the concept stage to planning and implementation. Ilse reported that the site once overlooked the lake and was a meeting place of 7 Native American tribes. It is considered sacred ground. If any building were to be erected, it would be on the site of the barn only. A question remains with what to do with the barn or barn materials. The developer has been cor�tracted by the City to remove the building and has been asked to expedite its demolition due to liability. The barn is not structural safe, though the walls and frames are secure. Discussion ensued as to whether the barn was of value to save and re-erect elsewhere ar to sa�e the wood from the barn. The wood is tamarack, which is very durable, and over 100 years old. Gerhardson infarmed the Commission that they had voted and recammended to the Council to demolish the barn and as noted, the contractor has been direeted to proceed with the demoltian. The Commission would need to inform Gerhardson immediately if they wanted to save the barn or wood. It was decided that a member af the Commission be on site when the barn is taken down. Gerhardsan will inform the contractor of this. Gerhardson said there is room available to store the wood so that it can be used as part of the park structures. McMillan suggested doing an inventory of what is on the property. The property lines are not cleariy marked. Developer, Mark Gronberg, has done a subdivision nearby and will be asked to assist in determining boundaries. The lot to the immediate west is staked as well as the�ats to the south. McDermott will work with Ilse on plans for the park. He suggested the story of the area be weaved throughout the trail highlighting certain items but limiting the words to keep the attention of the reader. B. OPEN SPACE PLANNING PROCESS (MOORSE/GERHARDSON) The guestiannaires have been turned in, and Gerha.rdson will follow up on the process. 7 NiINUTES OF THE REGULAR OR�NO PARK COlVIMISSION MEETING HELD ON AUGUST 7, 1995 C. HIGHWOOD NATURE TRAlL, (GERHAR.DSON} Grerhardson said the construction of the gravel parking lot will begin in September. D. LOWRY NATURE PRESERVE (GERHARDSUN) Staff is still awaiting the sale of one more lot in this azea before proceeding with this project. The parking area plan has not been done. Gerhardson said he would try to negotiate for an area where 2-3 cars could park. E. NORTH BROWN ROAD SEGMENT OF BIKE/HIKE TRAIL (GER�ARDSON) The majority of the retaining walls are installed, and the utilities are out of the way. The contractor is ready for constructian of the trail which will abut the retaining walls. Gerhardson noted that recent heavy rains have taken out some of the retaining wa11s, which are dry stacked. This trail will adjoin the trails being instalied alang Hwy 12 from North Brown Road to Willow, which is scheduled to be completed this fall. Gerhardson said Planning Commissioner Schroeder had mentioned neighbors wished to have plantings by the road. There will be grass between the road and the trail. Plantings will he by the retaining wall and back of the trail, possibility with wildflowers. Staff is warking with the landscaper on a plan for the area. McMillan asked about the maintenance of the trails. Gerhardson said the property owners will be expected to mow up to the trail and maintain the area between the trail and road. McMillan questioned whether it should be up to the neighbors on what ta plant in the areas between the road and trail. Gerhardson is following up on this, though grass is scheduled to be used. Gerhardson responded to a prior comment by the Park Commission on retaining walls being erected af materials ather than modular block, It has been Gerhardson's experience that the engineer will not approve boulder rocks. Timber or modular blocks are the preferred options. McDermott said engineers are unable to put calculations on boulder walls over 2-3' in height. Gerhardson said as this is an MSA project, na boulder walls would be used. F. AERIAL MAPS(WHITE) White showed the Commissioners biack and white aerial maps which are laminated on a foam core base. The maps are of an area simiiar in size to Orano and of three different scales. Flint asked Gerhardson to assess what would be best used by the Commission. Gaf�'i-on and Gerhardson will make a recommendation at an upcoming meeting on the purchase of similar aerial maps for Orono. 8 NIINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORON�PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON AUGUST 7, 1995 (#8)PLANNING F4R FALL/WINTER PARK PROGRAM Antaine Park updating will be discussed at the next meeting. Howells will speak with the neighborhood group and ask them for a plan. The skating rink at this park has been discussed for closure this year. The buildin�on the property will eventually be torn down according to Gerhardson. Gerhardson reported that 425 maintenance hours were spent on the ice rinks this past winter. This amounts to about 100 hours per rink at about $14/hr for an appra�mate total of$6,000. The Park Commissioners earlier deeided to possibly eliminate the skating rinks at both Hackberry and Antoine Parks, keeping the rinks at Bederwood and Casco Point. There will probably be a skating rink at Old Crystal Bay Road Park in the future. Howells will speak with the Antoine neighborhood goup prior to any decision being made on the closure of Antoine rink. The Casco Point rink has received good use this past year. Bederwood was noted to be the only park that people need to drive to in order to use the rink. The other rinks are in neighborhoods. The City does not want residents to mairrtain rinks on the lake due to safety issues. Gerhardson commented that the neighbors of Hackberry had originally requested the ice rink and suggested a letter be sent to the neighbors of both areas to solicit their interest in the neighbarhood rinks. The berm at Antoine was said to cause interference with the baseball playing on the field. �'ierhardson added that a11 the r�nks had been requested by the residents except for Casco. The City has provided quality ice this past year, and the residents need to be made aware of the good skating conditions. A letter would bring out any interest by the residents and allow the City to determine any changes needing to be made. It was decided that Gerhardson will send out letters to the neighbors of Hackberry and Arnoine Parks and ask for their response. A copy of the letter will be presented at the September meeting prior to being sent out to the residents. The financing for the crew manning the clubhouse at Orono Golf Course for open sledding and skiin�this winter will be different according to Gerhardson. Moorse and Gerhardson are in the process of discussing where the money will came from for this use. The Park Commissioners recammended the weekend schedule of i 2-4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. If Gear West was interested in a Wednesday evening opening, this wauld be determined later but would be funded by Gear West. Ilse suggested advertising the availability through the media and papers and holding such events as a treasure hunt. 9 MINI.TTES OF THE REGULAR OR�NO PARK COMIVII�SION MEETING HELD QN AUGUST 7, 1995 (#9) QTHER BU3INESS Ilse commented on the need for some signage an the trail by the Dickey property and Old Crystai Bay Road. Ilse has viewed people weaving in and out near Watertown without stopping and is concerned with the liability issue. Flint said Hennepin Parks originally was going ta handle the signage. Gerhardson said, along with the stop signs, signs stipulating no motorized vehicles is also needed. Gerhardson will foliow through on this. White noted the number of trailer parking is increasing a}ong Casco Point, and people need to be informed that they cannot park in this�rea. Flint commented on the excellent job being dane by the Hennepin County Sheriffs Water Patral on Long Lake regarding the new ordinance for personal watercraft. There has been a noticeable difference in noise from these watercrafts since the ordinance has been in effeet and the area patrolled. Flint also voiced his approval of the North Brown Road bike trail which he has ridden recently. The November meetings of the Council will be attended by the following Park Commissioners: November 13 -McDermott; November 27 - Wilson. ADJOURNMENT Howells moved, McMillan seconded, to adjourn at 9:45 p.m. � 'chard N. Flint, Chair t0