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Home My WebLink About01-03-1995 Park Commission Minutes . �s ORONO PARK CQMMISSION MEETING MINUTES F(�R JANUARY 3, 1995 � ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met on the abave date with the following znerr�bers present: Susan Wilson, Lili McMillan, Sherokee Ilse, and James White, who arrived at 7:35 p.m. Richard F}int and Robert Howeils were absent. Public Warks Director, John Gerhardson, and Recorder, Sherry Frost, represented Staf�: Acting Chair Susan Wilson called the meetin� to order at 7:25 p.m. (#1}APPRQVAL OF MINUTES OF DEGEMBER S, 1944 The following carrections were made to the Decemher 5, 1944 minutes: Wilsan said to make sure that the "fJpen Space Inventory" memo be attached to the minutes. McMillan asked that it be noted that a cogy be sent to the Park Commissioners in regard to the recruitment letter being drafted by Gerhardson under item#2. Wilson asked for clarification of the reference Flint made of the public-minded citizens in Orono under item #4 on pg 3 of the draft. Ttus was in response to a news article of a large public donatian made for a park in Wayzata. McMillan made the correction of the grant referred to on pg 8 of the draft as the ISTEA grant� The open times were corrected under Item#6, under the l�tjinter Recreation Program at (hono Crolf Course, as being from 12-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday afternaons. Gerharclson remarked that the 4rano park volunteers in 1994 have agreed to continue to assist in 1995. Letters will now be sent to organizations for additional volunteers for this comin�;year. It was suggested that the parks he listed a1on�with the names of the volunteers who have adopted each park. Wilson suggested that calls be made to people the commissioners feel would be interested in assisting in this area. Ilse asked that the letter define the commitmeQt made by the volunteers as being for one year or one season and list what parks need ac�opting. Gerhardson wiil bring the letter tt� the meeting in FebFu.ary. Ilse and McMillan will advertise the winter recreation pragram available at the�olf caurse in the Pioneer newspaper after reviev�ral with Gerhardscm. McMillan made note of the need ta establish a fiand far park solicitations from the citizens. Concern was made over the future loss of park fee f'unding_ White moved, Ilse seconded, ta a{�prove the Minutes of the December 5, l 994 Park Commission Meeting as amended. Ayes 4, Nays 0. 1 . MINUTES OF THE REGUI.AR ORONO PARK COMMYSSION MEETING HELD �N IANUARY 3, 1995 (#2) RESIG�ATION VICE �CHAIR ALEX VUNGRIES It was announced that Vice Chair Alex Vongries has resigned from the Park Commission. Wilson said she was disappainted as the cammissian would lose his ti�aluable perspective and the continuity that he brings to the commission. The other commissioners agreed. Ger�iardson wi((draft a resolutit�n recognizing the contributions Vongries has made. Gerhardson aiso no#ed that the Council will need to accept the zesi�nation and direct the Stafftc�advertise for a replacement. Wilson said the Commissioners should suggest to possible candic�ates that they apply for the vacancy. (#3) SAGA I�IGL 4PE1� SPACE PRESERVATION VVilson reported that she met with the Saga H+ll Preservation Society GrQup. The group is currently working with the Trust for Public Lands ta see what they can do to preserve the open land in Saga Hi11s. The group is considering praposing a bond referendum for preserving open land in Orono. Wilson met with Michael Gai�i'on and discussed the open space inventory. Gafrron has put together maps and data of the open space and has noted open land of ten acres or more. �'raffron divided Orono into three segments, northwest, northeast �nd south. In laoking over the northwest section, Wilson said to notice the Panuska and Stubbs properties as wotth looicing at fc�r future park space. In the nortbeask, two large open land spaces were noted. Bruce Dayton owns 140 acres, which he is proposing for a pond, greenhouse and trails. The 10'7 acres known as Spring Hill was brought to the camm�ssioners attention also. In the south area, Wilson made reference to 16 acres that is a tree farm bordering Frenc� Creek Preserve and 14 acres north af that same area. These were a few areas that Gaffron and Wiison fe(t the commissioners should laok at and consider as maintaining as apen space for future park-like development. 1Wilson said the park commissioners nee�to set criteria of what the commission would like ta see dane wit6in the city in the future in relation to ti�e land that is undeveloped. Wilson said we should look at what the city has ar�d try to protect around it and add to it. Wilson noted the high density in the Navarre area and lack of park areas there. The cammissioners said they neecl to consider whether a revision of the comprehensive plan is what should be done and how the open space inventory fits inta this pian. Ilse also suggested looking at other cities and their pa.rl�plans. The cc�mmissioners noted that the action agenda fflr 1995 included updating the park and open space�ortion of th� 1980{Jrano Cammunity Management Plan. A�vork session to begin�vas suggested for Thursday, February 23, 1995, b:30-8:30 p.m. Wilson wili confer with Flint and Howelis as to their availabitity on this date. Gerhardson wiil see that all members have a copy of the open space maps developed by Gaffran. � � MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD �N JANUARY 3, 1995 (#3 -Open Space Preservation - Continued) It was deternuned that each Commissioner member will prioritize what is important to them fc�r future park development and come to the work session equipped with what they see as a pieture for tomorrow. Jim White offered ta provide materials which would help facilitate the planning for this session_ (#4) CRYSTAL BAY PLAYGROUND Gerhardson passed out a rough plan for the Crystal Bay Playground for the commissianers input. The Commissioners discussed the pros and cons of the plan_ McMillan and Wilson will set up a meeting of the sub-committee to go over the plan and make suggestions for changes and rearrangement. Gerhardson noted the importance af the City's obligation in following the ADA guidelines for accessibility for those with disabilities. �ome comments of the plans are as follows: the need for an open rectangular grass area tor casual games; high cost of tennis courts; moving the ice rink to where the volleyball court is located; ambiance of the gazebo; positive response to the landscape berms and the sidewalk to the post office; whether both fencing and berms are necessary; and the need to look at rough cost estimates for downsizing as the plan is rather busy. (#5) OTHER BUSINESS Highwood Nature Trail was discussed. Gerhardson passed out a plan for this park that had been made in 1970 and noted how it dosely follows what is being suggested today. The location for the parking lot has been determined to be placed along the county road. Gerhardson has suggested a loop driveway which will allow for a smaller lot but still accomodate a bus. The estimated cost is $5,000. Bituminous is suggested due to the lower maintenance factor but can be sealcoated with colored rock. The trailhead si�;n and picnic table will cost appro�mately $1,000. Gerhardson said the City needs to consider develapment of a pond for storm water runoff. This would be paid for with funding other than Park Dedication �'unds. McMillan moved, Ilse seconded, to submit a budget proposal ta the Council for the parking lot for Highwood Trail, which could accomodate a bus, and for signage and picnic table for spring completion. Gerhardson to provide final details prior to Council meeting. Ayes 4, Nays 0. The cammission will be looking for an adopt-a-park group to maintain the trails in this area. 3 � MINUTES C►F THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 3, 1995 (#�5 - C3ther Business- Continued} An update on the ice rinks was made. Gerhardsan said the vaarm weather impeded the flooding of the rinks but they are currently back on track. The old rnethod of flooding is being used. The rinks are currently scheduled for flooding 2-3 times a week. Ilse reported that the ptowing of Bederwaod was excellent. McMillan said Hackberry tooked good and sug�ested a bench be placed by the ice to assist the skaters. White said the ice at Casco Point looks goad but a light is currently out. Antoine is the fourth rink. It was alsa reported #hat a piece afequipment had been thrown dowrr a hill at the golf course. The golf course clubhouse is opening on �aturday, l/7, weather permitting. Mare snow is needed. Advertisement will be placed in the Pioneer paper_ Opening day pictures will be taken a�d submitted alang with a news story. A letter from the Shields family dated 1/3/95 was read to the commission members. They suggested a short basketball court be added to Bederwood to improve services for older children_ The cornmissioners agreed that this wauld be a good addition to the park. A location for a possibte court and an estimate on costs wilt be done by Gerhardson for the February rneeting. This addition would have to be placed among many other requests including Crystai Bay Park in the park budget. Gerhardson will respond to the letter from the Shie�ds. Wilson said the commission needs to look at planning and budgeting of the park dedication fees and schedule a budget discussion. ADJ�URNMENT White moved, Ilse seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 9:25 p.m. ..t,�.LQJ °� Susan VVilsen, .Acting Chair �