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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-06-1995 Park Commission Minutes ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 6, 1995 ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met on the above date with the following members present: Chair Richard Flint, Susan Wilson, Lili McMillan, Robert Howells, Sherokee Ilse, and James White, who arrived at 7:30 p.m. Public Works Director John Gerhardson and Recorder Sherry Frost represented Staff. Chair Flint called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. (#l) APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JANUARY 3, 1995 On page 3 under item#4, Crystat Bay Playground, 3rd paragraph, the sentence, "concern over the small size of the parking lot" was eliminated. Wilson moved, Howells seconded, to approve the Minutes of the Park Commission Meeting of January 3, 1995. Ayes 4, Nays 0, 1 Abstain, Flint, who was not at the meeting. (#2) CRYSTAL BAY PARK McMillan presented the 2nd conceptual plan for the park. She noted that the layout for a tennis court was an overlay as the court might be an option that is eliminated or considered at a future time. A tennis court is costly (about $15,000-$20,000) and lower in priority than other desires for the park design. McMilian noted that the plan did not show any additional playground equipment. The present equipment will be assessed for usability and desirability. The neighbors' input into what playground equipment they desire for the park is needed. The equipment is presently laid out amongst the trees and considered to be in a good setting. It was felt that the wallcway area would get a high amount of traffic as people now enjoy using the walkway from the post office. McMillan said the plan would be phased in over a few years with fencing and the playfield being the priority items. Gerhardson said a split rail fence originally under consideratian is a high maintenance fencing. A need to deternvne an alternative to this type of fencing as well as the cost will be among the first issues to be decided. There will be plantings placed in front of the fencing. The fencing will run from the northeast corner on Crystal Avenue going sauth on Brown and end just north of the post office. There will not be any fencing along Arbor Street nor the southern portian of the park. The gazebo shelter and courtyard received positive feedback. The Commissioners recommended seeking donations from interested parties in the community. All funding will need approval from the City Council. 1 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMII�IISSION MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 6, 1995 (#2 - Crystal Bay Park - Continued) The location of the pla�eld is under discussion. The plan presently tocates the field in the northern section of the park A suggestion was macle to place the field directly to the north of the walkway/gazebo area where the plan shows the skating rink and basketball half court. This would allow easy access and spectating from the patio area. If the ice rink is placed near the patio in the winter time, the Commission is concerned with the condition and the maintenance of the grass for the summer months. Mrs. Shields commented on the possible use of placing plastic under the ice to protect the grass areas. Gerhardson said this procedure is generally not used due to the cost invalved for the plastic. The Commissioners discussed placing the ice rink and basketball court to the north exchanging locations with the playfield. Gerhardson was cancerned with the grading of the northern section for these purposes. He felt that the west to east drop of approximately three feet would result in terracing and would change the laok of the park. It u�as also noted that the water line frorr�the well probably would have to be extended to accommodate servicing the northern section of the park for the rink. Gerhardson said that the northeast corner would be the best location for the rink if it was to be moved from its present placernent on the plan. He emphasized the importance of examining the grade of the area. It was his opinion that the northern section's grading was ideal for the pla�eld. Tim Pattrin, an area neighbor who is assisting in this project, said that the ice rink was a top priority of the neighbors. He is pleased with the conceptual plan and the aesthetics of it. Pattrin would like the commission to consider the safety issue when determining the type of fencing used as he felt children will invariab(y climb it. The type and size of the basketball court was discussed. Other courts in parks such as Hackberry will be looked at for usage and size in determining the court installed for this park. The sub-cornmittee will take the discussion under consideration looking at what type of fencing should be used, type and size of the basketball court, and the placement of the pla�eld, basketball court, and ice rinks. A walk of the area was suggested to visually check the plan. A meeting will also be scheduled with the neighbors to gain their input into the park plan. Ilse moved, White seconded, to approve the sub-committee's further e�mination of the pian taking into consideration the comments raised at the meeting. Ayes 6, Nays 0. 2 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK CONIMISSION MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 6, 1995 (#2A) BEDERWODD BASKETBALL COURT PROPOSAL Mrs. Shields, a neighbor to the Bederwood Park property, was present. Mrs. Shields had recently written a request for a basketbail court to be added ta Bederwood Park to draw older children to the park. This was deferred from the last meeting because of the cost involved in creating the court. Mrs. Shields reported being willing to do fund raising to help raise money for the cost of the court if the commissioners were interested in proceeding. Flint suggested the cost of the caurt be shared with the neighbors on, perhaps, a 50-50 basis in order ta expedite the request for this year's completion. Gerhardson said the park would not support a court large enough for a regular basketball game. A half caurt or short court were suggested. Gerhardson suggested that Hackberry Park's basketball court be looked at to assist in determining the court size. Gerhardson asked Mrs. Shields to contact him, and they would discuss the court location and the cost determination. Mrs. Shields said after looking over the park area, she felt the northeast section of the park would be a good location for the court. Mrs. Shields also asked about the soccer nets, which had previously been in place on the play fieid. Gerhardson said the nets were placed on the field for the fall time period. This was a drawing card for the children. Gerhardson said he would look into leaving the soccer nets out for a longer time period. (#3) FRENCH CREEK PRESERVE- MESSAGE BOARD Wilson reported that the sign at French Creek Preserve would be a double ple�glass sign with a rpof over it, instead of the podium-type sign originally planned. It would contain a three color map with short sentences describing the preserve. It would contain pictures of the prairie plants and wildlife that is there. The girl scouts that have been assisting at this preserve will aide in getting these pictures. It will be located on the left side of the preserve entrance by the fence near the sewer plant. The "Orono Parks" imprint discussed to be placed on signs will now possibly be the logo, shrunk down in size, and imprinted in metal instead of wood. Gerhardson will present an exampte at the ne� meeting. The Commissioners agreed on Saturday, May 20, 1995, at 2:00 p.m. for the opening of French Creek Preserve. The Mayor and Council will be invited to participate. Howells moved, Ilse seconded, to approve the signage and opening date as listed. Ayes 6, Nays 0. 3 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 6, 1995 (#3 -French Creek Preserve - Continued) Flint reported stirring up a large number of ducks last November when walking completely around the preserve. Wilson said this would be detrimental to the ducks nesting in the spring. An option was to restrict walking the entire path during this time of the year but members felt that people would still use the path. "No dogs allowed" would be placed on the signage. Foliowing discussion, it was decided that the path would be open only to the blind areas. Gerhardson said that his department would not cut grass past the weir structure on the south end or the blinds on the north end. (#4) HIGHWOOD NATURE TRAIL Gerhardson presented the parking lot design for the trail staging area. It would be a t- desigq placed where the alleyway is located, and would have less impact and be less costly than the loop design. Crushed rock would be used. The cost of the lot, picnic table, and signs for the trailhead and park, will be presented to Council for approval. People will be encouraged to take their garbage with them out of the trail area. Wilson said those in the sub-committee would walk the trail in April and mark it off. VVilson moved, Howells seconded, to approve the determination of the costs for the parking lot, trail signs, and picnic table at approximately $6,Q00 to be presented to the Council for approval. Ayes 6, Nays 0. (#5) SKATING RiNK- PROGRESS REPORT Gerhardson said the maintenance crews have been flooding rinks about three times per week. White reported that the rink at Casco is used frequently and the ice looks good. The burnt out light was catled in to NSP. Ilse reported that the ice at Bederwood was also in good condition. Ilse said this area could use a picnic table. The rink is not heavily used and needs to be discovered by skaters. McMillan said Hackberry has good ice but she has not seen any skaters. This rink could be idled for next season to see if there is any neighborhood demand for this rink. McMillan has been in contact with a neighbor, Mrs. Gleason, who will report if she sees any skaters at this rink. Holbrook is close to Hackberry and has a warming house. Thus, neighborhood skaters may be using Holbrook, and the rink at Hackberry may be unnecessary. There was no information on the rink at Antoine. 4 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 6, 1995 (#6) GaLF CO[JRSE - PROGRESS REPORT McMillan reported that the golf course was very icy for sliding. A large group did use the golf course for cross-country skiing last week. Howells said that Gear West did cancel one Wednesday evening activity, but the building operator was in attendance and had not been notified of the cancellation. Gear West will be informed that they need to notify the building manager or the City Offices by Tuesday when Wednesday activities are cancelled. The success of the golf course clubhouse use on Wednesday evenings and Saturday and Sunday afternaons will not be judged solely on this winter's record and wilI be continued ne�ct year. The lack of snow this winter has been detrimental to this year's success. The club house will remain open for the scheduled times through the end of February. (#7) PARK COMMISSION ACTTON PLAN The Commissioners updated the status of the items on the action plan. Flint said the commission needs to look at the possibility of a park on the Dickey property. Accordingly, since no group has come up with funds to save the barn, this was added to the action plan for 1995 as item#�0; Ilse and McMillan to serve on the subcommittee to plan for this park. The barn on the property will be taken down by the developer. The developer for this property reportedly has spoken with the people at Murphy's Landing to see if they have any interest in the barn. The items on�he action plan that are not on this meeting's agenda are updated here. The new updated action plan is attached to these minutes. Lowry Woods, item#3, was discussed. Gerhardson said he will speak with the developer about the parking tot for the trail. The developer is not obligated to widen the road until one more lot is sold. At that time, the parking lot will be installed by the City. Ilse reported having spoken with Steve Carlson regarding the Little League Baseball Diamonds, item #4 on the plan. There is a problem with the grass for the diamonds. The fence posts are in, but not the connecting mesh. Work is ongoing but not yet ready for opening. The 1995 Park Tour is scheduled for June 5, at 6:00 p.m. The group will tour selected parks at that time, particularly those where the Commission is currently active. This is item#G an the ptan. 5 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 6, 1995 (#7 -Park Commission Action Plan - Continued) Wilson and Howells reported on Saga Hill, item#7. This group is working with the Trust for Public Lands, a public organization, and the M3nnesota Land Trust, who will buy land and then turn it over to cities for their use. Wilson said the group has not been successful in their att�mpts at fund raising at this point, and may be interested in pursuing a bond referendum for open land. This may be a viable option since the recent park survey placed maintaining open land high on the priority list. Flint was concerned that if interest in a particular piece of land was known, this would drive the cost of the land up. White said he fett it was important that naturat areas be left in corridors for the wildlife. In the bike/hike trail section, item#8 on the plan, the Brown Road portion ("a") from Hwy 12 to CoRd 6 has a probable campletion date of May or June, 1995. As to the Old Crystal Bay Road traii, there is no formal contract as of yet with the County. The portion of the trail under "b" will not be done this year(except for the portion through the Dickey property�. Bids open Wednesday, 2/15/95, for the Baker Park to Railroad Bridge on Old Crysta} Bay Road portian of the trail ("c"}. Gerhardson said the bids inctude the Thompson property, through there are no expected agreements with Mrs. Thompson. A temporary easement will be needed from her to do the work in the right-af-way. Flint and l�rlcMillan are working through a $50,000 grant program application from the State. Estimates only are needed to begin the process. The Otten property on CoRd 6 has been sold. The new owner is willing to look at granting a pertnanent easement but has concerns that no trees be taken out. This is in a�reement with the thoughts of commission members on saving as many trees as possible. Wilson noted that item #9 was tfl be discussed at the meeting of the commission set for 2/23I95. The Commission decided there was a need to establish and set criteria by which to prioritize the use of open space land in order to have a plan in place for when such land becomes avaitable and to coordinate this with the Community Development Plan. Gaffron will be asked to attend this meeting. Moorse was to be consulted whether Shardlow should attend. Ilse felt a budget shouid be set up far future park commission expenditures. Flint replied that there is no operating money available. This meeting would 6e to took at what the City has for park land now, what we would like in the future, and to look at the inventory before updating the park plan. It was decided that the sub- comrrvttee(Flint, Wilson, Ilse, and White) would ptan the meeting's agenda. The work session date was set far March 16, 1995, at 6:30 p.m. {#8) CANOE RACK The Cammissian asked the �taffto place a timely advertisement in the local paper to create interest in rental of the canoe racks. 6 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 6, 1995 (#9}ADOPT-A-PARK BROCHURE Ilse and Gerhardson distributed the brochure that they put together. It was noted that a11 1994 volunteers again signed up to assist in 1995. Businesses will be encauraged to get invalved. Brochures will be given to the West Chamber of Commerce for distribution. It was noted that assistance was needed in the Navarre area. White reparted on the neighborhood group which yearly cleans up the Casco Circle park A request for a formal continuation of this assistance will be sent to that group. Gerhardson will asterick the parks that have already been signed up for on the brochures. Ilse said to send a brochure to Jody Moen, coordinator of community education's Youth in Action program at the school. Howells moved, Ilse seconded, to approve the brochure distribution. Ayes 6, Nays 0. (#14) 1995 CALENDAR REVISED The July meeting of the Park Commission was changed to Wednesday, July 5, 1995. Flint also noted that the September meeting will be on Tuesday, September 5, 1995. (#11) LOCAL GRANTS INFORMATION McMillan anti Flint will meet to submit an application for the Cooperative Trail Grant. The City's trail is eligible as it links together State(the Luce Line} City, and regional facilities{Baker Park). The trail involves multi-agencies, including the DNR, County, and State. Flint will be checking with Moorse on whether any grant received would need to be shared with the County. (#12) OTHER BUSINESS The following schedule was determined for representation at the City Council meetings: 2/12195 - 11se 4110/95 - Wilson 2/27/95 - Howells 4I24/95 - Ilse 3/13/95 - McMillan 5/8/95 - Flint 3/27/95 -White 5/22195 - Howells McMillan asked that a record of the Park Commission spending and in�ome be determined and distributed•to the members for their information. � MINUTES OF THE REGIILAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 6, 1995 ADJOURNMENT White moved, McMillan seconded, to adjourn at 10:00 p.m. Ayes 6, Nays 0. R�chard N. Flint, Chair 8