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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-05-1995 Park Commission Minutes ORC�NO PARK C(3MMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 5, 1995 ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met on the above date with the following members present: Chair Richard Flint, Lili McMillan, Sherokee Ilse, James White, Robert Howells, and Andrew McDermott III. Commissian White arrived during discussion of Item #3. Susan Wilson was absent. Representing Staff were Public Works Director John Gerhardson and Recorder Sherry Frost. Chair Flint called the meeting to order at 7:25 p.m. (#1)APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF AUGUST 7, 1995 The minutes were amended with the follawing carrection: Page 9, paragraph 4, the reference to a berm is at Antoine Park not Hackberry. Ilse moved, McMillan seconded, to approve the Minutes of the Park Commission ivleetin� of August 7, 1995 as amended. Ayes 5, Nays 0. (#2) PRESENTATION BY ANTUINE PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIUN (HOWELLS) There was no representation from the neighborhood at the Park Commissian meeting. McMillan suggested a sub-cammittee be set up to contact the group and determine the needs of the park. With the time allotment for park improvements, McMillan felt plans should be initiated immediately if anything is to be done this year. She reminded the Commission that the group had identified certain safety concerns and had asked that the sheds be removed. The Commission had noted on several park tours that this should be done. Flint will write a letter to be sent to the people who signed the petition asking for park improvements at Antoine. The letter will ask for them to notify the Commission when they a.re ready to discuss park improvements and place the item on an upcoming agenda. The letter wiii indicate that park improvements can best be carried out when the neighborhood works closely with the Park Commission. In the meantime, Gerhardson was asked to see whether the sheds could be removed and the equipment checked to assure its compliance with safety standards. 1 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 5, 1995 (#3} REVIEW BIKE TRAIL HILBELINK PROPERTY Gerhardson asked for Commission input on the route of the trail on the Hilbelink property. Coming from the south, the trail will be located on the right of way for about 200' and then move in on the property and continue north until it again moves closer to the road on the back side of the bank slope but off the ri�ht of way. Gerhardson noted that the trail was brought out into the back slope of the ditch because of the way the tree line jogs. It was determined that the easiest place to bring the trail out was where the developer will be installing the driveway. McMillan asked about tree loss. Gerhardson said little tree loss will occur on the northern portion of the trail. What will be lost on the southern portion is mainly scrub trees. McMillan suggested planting tamarack near the wetland area. McDermott noted that dogwood handles wet areas well. Ilse said she liked the openness of the trail and how it was designed to come out onto the road giving it a good profile as well as a good safety feature. Gerhardson said the design should provide a reasonable stopping distance of about 200'. A couple accidents have acurred because of the heavy foliage on the north side of Watertown Road. The trees are located on the buildable lat rather than the easement. The culvert is located about 250' north of Watertown Road. Curb and gutter is being installed and will allow for surface drainage. The work on the trail must be completed by the end of September. The easement has been obtained, and work is set to begin as soon as the DNR signs the contract. The trail design north of the Luce Line trail will include curb and gutter with storm sewer throughout the trail. (#4) UPDATE ON TRAIL PROGRESS: NORTH BROWN ROAD SIGNAGE Gerhardson reported that the North Brown Road trail is in. High usage leveis have already been reported. Landscaper, Steve Kelly, will make recommendatians on plantings for the area between the trail and the retaining wall. Planning Commission Schroeder had requested plantings rather than grass in this area. White suggested the use of vines, which would wind up the retaining wa11s. It was noted that vines have been effectively used on other trail areas and retaining walls. The vines do need to be snipped back to keep from getting too thick. 2 MINUTES �F THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETiNG HELD ON SEPTEMBER 5, 1995 (#4 - Update on Trail Progress - Continued) White also commented that Hennepin Parks has small shrubs available as well as native species, which they propo�ate. Wildflower packets are also available for use. The Commission would like to see the neighbors involved in adopting the trail area. Gerhardson said that now that the trail is completed, Kelly can provide information on what will be needed, make suggestions as to the plantings, and the nei�hbors can then be asked for their involvement. The signage will be installed once landscaping is completed. Gerhardson will be meeting with the sign people this caming week regarding the size and placement of signs. Sma11 "stop" signs and "no motori�ed vehicles" signs will be utilized. McMitlan asked that the subcommittee review the signs prior to installation. Hennepin County will be contacted to obtain their catalog on signage. Gerhardson said the signs may be supplied by the same company that is providing signage to Hennepin Parks. Flint displayed a picture of a trail in Duluth between Lake Superior and Interstate 35, which effectively makes use of a sma11 area using retaining walls, railroad track area, an asphalt bike trail, and a wood walking trail. Flint said this trail depicts what can happen when good planning occurs in cannection with road improvements. (#5) UPDATE ON PLANNING FOR PARK ON DICKEY PROPERTY (ILSE/MCMILLAN/MCDERMdTT) Ilse reported that a meeting of the subcommittee is planned for Friday, September 15 at 2:00 p.m. with the landscaper, Brian Butterfield, to walk the property as well as inven#ory the property. She suggested that Gerhardson and the City Engineer also be present. Ilse asked that the boundaries be marked. Ilse said she has been noting the points of interest from materials obtained from Pat Dickey. McDermott said the committee should know what they would like to stress, whether it be geological, the Native American background, or just a restful place to visit. Ilse noted there is a history involved in how the City obtained the property and it was donated in order to protect that history. It was noted that there is very little natural area left on the site but it could be replanted with prairie grasses. McDermott said he was unsure what the desire is for the park. He noted if the land is sacred ground, an archaeological inspection might be needed. 3 MINUTES OF TI-�E REGULA.R 4RON0 PARK COMMISSI�N MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 5, 1995 (#5 - Update on Planning for Park on Dickey Property - Continued) It was reported that the barn and building has been taken down. The concrete foundation was removed as is required by code. The holes created by the demolition will need some fill and have been barricaded. McMillan said she did not see any barricades when she viewed the property prior to the meeting. No timbers were conserved from the site but were noted to be sma11 in size and of no great value. (#6) OPEN SPACE PLANNING PROCESS (MOORSE/GERHARDSON) Gerhardson said the questionnaires were now completed and would be tabulated. Moorse will attend the October Park Cammission Meeting to discuss the findings. (#7) HIGHWOOD NATURE TRAIL {GERI�ARDSON) The parking area at Highwood Nature Trait will be campleted this month according to Gerhardson. (#S) AERIAL MAPS (GERHARDSON) Gerhardson said he had not yet coordinated with Gaffi-on to determine what maps the City already had available, but he would do so soon in order that the aerial photos be available for planning purposes as soon as possible. Flint asked what would be done with the maps once they were available. Gerhardson said the commission would need to see what was available and whether the maps would fit their needs. If the maps were found to be adequate, copies will be made, and kept available for usage at the meetings. (#9) REVIEW OF LETTER TO BE SENT OUT TO NEIGHBORS OF HACKBERRY AND ANTOINE PARKS SOLICITING THEIR VIEW AS TO ELIMINATION OF SKATING RINKS FOR 1995-96 SEASON Commissioners were asked to turn their written comments in to Gerhardson on the draft of the letter. It was suggested that a phone number be included as well as the reason for a timely response(14 days). Ilse asked that the letter explain the cost and time involved in creating a quality rink and advise the residents that the Commission was seeking to determine whether usage justified continued maintenance of the rinks. The letter will be sent out to the neighbors around Antaine and Hackberry Parks as soon as the letter is finalized. � MINUTES OF THE REGULAR 4RON0 PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD 4N SEPTEMBER 5, 1995 (#10) 4THER BUSINESS The agenda for the October meeting will be prepared by McMillan. Flint will be absent. BENCHES Gerhardson reported that a boy scout from Orono is working on his eagle badge and has asked for approval to build 4-6 benches to be used in City parks. The boy scout lives near Old Crystal Bay Park and would like to see at least two benches used there. The City would need to pay for materials only, which would cost about $55 per bench. The boy scout will install the benches, which wi11 sit on concrete pads. The concrete will cover the perimeter af the bench with one end extending the si�e to allow a wheel chair to be placed thereon. Footings will be dug and the concrete slab poured over it by the City. The benches will be 4'x6' in size with a 4'x4' back using 2x6 for the seat and 2x8 for the back. There is a 17" height requirement. Gerhardson presented a sample of what a bench would look tike. McDermott noted the ADA requires an arm rest. Gerhardson noted the considerable savings over the estimate received for the two benches approved for installation at Old Crystal Bay Park of$924. The posts for the benches are designed to be made of cedar. Bath White and McDermott said that cedar would rot in concrete. It was suggested that treated lumber be used for the posts. Metal posts were not recommended as the connections are difficult to do. McMillan said she preferred not using a concrete slab. Flint said a concrete slab would create a solid base. McDermott noted that concrete is used because it requires little maintenance and upkeep and creates a clean edge. He also said the color could be tempered with a surface treatment. He said that concrete is a durable material and recommended for areas af foating placement. The cost for the concrete will be appro�mately $25 per bench. Concern was voiced over safety from falls onto concrete. Gerhardson said, because the concrete would not extend over the edge of the seat, a person would fall onto the grass. Gerhardson said the specifications have been drawn and are of a professional quality. If this was acceptable to the Cammission, Gerhardsan will present the proposal to the Council for their approval. Funding for the benches will come from the Park Dedication fund. Gerhardson said the batance in the Park Fund as of the meeting date is $296,000. A portion of this has been set aside for the trail, which will be built this year. s MTNUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMNIISSION MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 5, 1995 (#10 - Other Business - Continued) Ilse moved, McMillan seconded, to recommend approval af six benches with 2 to 4 used at O[d Crystal Bay Park. Ayes 6, Nays 0. BEDERWOOD BASKETBALL COURT Ilse said she was recently questioned by Mrs. Shields on the status of the proposed basketbali court at Bederwood. Gerhardson said the project would be scheduled for ne� spring. An updated cost estimate will be done now that the court placement has been decided upon. Grading options will also be evaluated. FRIENDS OF THE PARK AWARD The Friends of the Park Award was discussed. Certificates will be made in the farm of a resolutian for each of the girl scout troops and the OBA who will be receiving the awards. The award ceremony will take place in the foyer of the Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m. on the night of the November Paxk Commission Meeting. The meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. A letter of invitation will be written by McMillan and sent out to all concerned. SAGA HILL PARK Flint asked Gerhardson if there was any update on the proposed park on Saga Hill. Gerhardson was not aware of the status of the project. The Sa�;a Hill Community Group will be asked to attend the October meeting and update the Commission on the status of the fund raising project and grant application. HowelIs suggested staking the park area to designate the land acquired by the City through tax forfeiture and the land under consideration for purchase by the Saga Hill Community Group. The access points to the land were discussed. A pub}ic access is located off Tonkaview. Gerhardson will check plat maps to identify the exact location of the 10'wide access strip. The land is also accessible through the church parking lot located adjacent to the property but no formal legal access has been acquired. Flint said the issues needing addressing are what to do with the e�sting piece of land and what the status is af the Saga Hill Group's endeavors. McMillan will cantact Irene Silber or Patty Affelt af the Saga Hi}i Group to ask for their representation at the October meeting. 6 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 5, 1995 ADJOURNMENT Flint adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m. with a vote of Ayes 6, Nays 0. � i� ��� ��C" 'chard N. Flint, Chair 7