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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-03-1995 Park Commission Minutes � , • ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 3, 1995 ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met on the above date with the following members present : Chair Richard Flint, Susan Wilson, Lili McMillan, Sherokee Ilse, and James White . Robert Howells was absent . Public Works Director John Gerhardson and Recorder Jamie Bosma represented Staff . Chair Flint called the meeting to order at 7 : 23 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENTS Lisa Kugler, an Orono resident and member of the Trust for Public Land reported on neighborhood plans to acquire the Saga Hill area next to the nine acre parcel recently acquired by the City through tax forfeiture . Kugler reported on a possible grant available from the Natural Scenic Areas through the Department of Natural Resources based on land quality. Cities need to apply for the grant and match contributions . The deadline for the grant application is May l, 1995 . A public hearing is required for the grant . The awarding of the grant will be decided by September of 1995 and must be spent by October of 1997 . Kugler said that their option with Midway Bank is to acquire the property sooner but they are interested in pursuing this grant and ask for a 1 :4 match from the City. Kugler reported on the significance of the history and the economic contributions of the Saga Hill area. Park Commissioners indicated their support for the acquisition but stated that Park Dedication funds would not be available because existing projects were expected to exhaust the funds . Motion to ask the Council to help in applying for a DNR grant for the Saga Hill area of $100, 000 , with the Saga Hill area people to raise an equal amount . Wilson moved, Ilse seconded. Ayes 5 , Nays 0 . (#1) APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 6, 1995 AND MARCH 6, 1995 On page 6 of the February minutes under item #7, Park Commission Action Plan, lst paragraph, the sentence "Wilson said the group has not been successful in their attempts at fund raising at this point, and are interested in pursuing a bond referendum for open land" was changed to read °'Wilson said the group has not been successful in there attempts at fund raising at this point, and may be interested in pursuing a bond referendum for open land. " Wilson moved, White seconded, to approve the Minutes of the Park Commission Meeting of February 6, 1995 and March 6 , 1995 with the above change . Ayes 5 , Nays 0 . 1 ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 3, 1995 (#2) Discussion of Proposed Development near French Creek Preserve Bob Melamed was present . He handed out 2 sketch plans, Plan A is offering a buffer area where no trees could be removed within 30' to 50' around the entire property boundaries, plus an 8% cash Park Dedication fee . Plan B, is to donate 1 . 23± acres of land on Lot 4 , adjacent to the French Creek Park Reserve . Flint asked for the buffer dimensions on Sketch A. Melamed stated it is 50' on the east . There is not much on the north because there is not much vegetation there . The owner of Lot 1 and Art Ellis are going to want more privacy from each other and we are going to have to do some more screening. What I 'm trying to do for the people who are living there, is feel like the home is not out in the open to Old Crystal Bay Road. Flint summarized Melamed, saying that on the east it would be 50' easement, on the north it would be 30' easement, on the south it would be a 50 ' easement and basically 50' on the west except on the west it gets wider as you get north of Lot 2 and 3 . Melamed agreed. Flint asked Mabusth, whether it was true that the envelope around the property would be required irrespective of Park Commission consideration. Mabusth stated that the City is granting this developer, if it goes with Plan A, a variance to the subdivision regulations because the regulations require an internal road, with one curb cut so as to serve all 4 lots . The Planning Commission has accepted this property as unique and need to be addressed for its special consideration so they are willing to grant the variance . But in return for the variance, the City wants to be assured that the trees would be protected and not only would we be looking for exterior buffers, we would probably look for buffers along the lot lines, something similar to Sugarwood, where the whole point was to preserve the trees . The City would require preservation of the trees notwithstanding Park Commissions consideration, but additional limitations such as prohibition of fencing along the buffer might be imposed because of Park Commission considerations . Flint questioned the city road entering the preserve, being improved as normally would be required by the addition of even one driveway. 2 ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 3, 1995 (Discussion of Proposed Development near French Creek Preserve - Continued) Mabusth stated that the Planning Commission did not want to see a cul-du-sac at that northeast corner, up near the preserve and by the parking area. They felt that would result in the loss of too many mature trees and a serious impact on the preserve atmosphere . Planning Commission favored the only improvement being paving the existing dirt road which the developer would be responsible for. Melamed stated that if they wanted the road paved, then he would. Its the cul-de-sac and the ditches and the widening of the road that he wished to avoid. McMillan questioned the location as to where the cul-de-sac would be . In order to meet the code, the only place it could be, according to Engineer Gustafson, would be to touch the last driveway which is all wooded and would have to be cut out . Melamed stated he also plans to apply to the Watershed District to redredge the pond area, which is full of garbage the City has been dumping for years . Flint asked if staff discussed with him about how much money would be involved for the Park fee if cash were required instead of land? Melamed replied $30, 000 . Mabusth agreed. McMillan asked if the septic sites are final locations or can they be moved? Melamed stated they are proposed only, but with the setbacks of wetlands and the setbacks of the septic sites it does limit the locations available . Wilson stated the issue we need to deal with is what kind of protection we need to preserve the wetland pond wildlife preserve that the City has set aside . This is one of the major factors we need to focus on. The theory of the corridor along the east side of the proposed development would be first to protect the prairie and the wetland area with the water fowl . The other purpose would be to provide a corridor (which is done often in conservation projects) from the City property to the Norenberg wildlife property for deer and pheasants and other wildlife . Its a key conservation spot for the City, not only as a corridor but also to protect the bird population from having too much disturbance . She indicated that she favored taking a substantial amount of land there . Wilson, felt the best way to do it would be to protect everything east of the wetlands on Lot 4 . The City should look at this from a conservation standpoint, because they have taken the effort and 3 ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 3, 1995 (Discussion of Proposed Development near French Creek Preserve - Continued) spent public money to set aside the wetland area. She said that the City did not have many opportunities to do this . She felt this was a key issue for the Park Commission to deal with. Flint asked if some of the neighbors had any input to offer. Mike Ellis, of 1020 Old Crystal Bay Road South, stated Plan A made sense . I am concerned about maintaining things as much as possible as to the way they were, I realize they can' t stay that way, but one question is about paving the road. I was one of several who went back there and closed up the drain and built the pond up. I 'm familiar with it, if these trees are maintained the way they are now, I can' t believe it would make any difference with the pond. Melamed stated that there would be a corridor at its narrowest 90' between the pumping station and the west edge of the development . Wilson questioned, so your adding 50' . Melamed stated its 50 ' plus 40 ' that the City already owns . Flint said that if we go with Plan B, which is to take the land, the Planning Commission may require that you still provide a buffer. Mabusth, felt the Planning Commission would require building a barrier/buffer along the boundaries of the property. You can assume the other buffers are going to happen, stated Melamed. Flint indicated that it might be possible to provide a combination of all three - some land to be donated, some easement to buffer the property, and some money to be contributed. He asked what would be the maximum land if that were all . Melamed indicated that the calculations that Gronberg came up with are 1 . 23+ acres, which the Park Commission was entitled, 1 . 2 acres was dry and the other . 03 is wetland. This would provide a corridor 95 to 100' along the east side of the property. wilson stated that the Nature Conservation does a lot of conservation easements so she had talked to them. Nature Conservancy said the problem with the conservation easement is that they need a lot of monitoring, you need to have some one checking on them and make sure they are being followed and as a general practice that is a real hassal . Their advice was for the City to 4 ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 3, 1995 (Discussion of Proposed Development near French Creek Preserve - Continued) own the property rather than to obtain an easement . As a lawyer, I agree with that, replied Flint . It is different when you are coming onto City land, versus an easement on your own land. When you grant an easement, it is still your land, subject to the easement and none of us have seen the terms that the easements will have . He felt that it was better to take the land than the easement plus $30 , 000 . Flint asked Melamed to go back to Wilson' s original point of not to develop part of Lot 4 . There is no reason Melamed should bear the whole cost of it, but it is certainly possible that we could all participate . The Park Commission could buy a portion of it, maybe some of the neighbors could help to try to prevent that fourth lot from being developed. I am personally concerned about the impact on the wetland by having the road going across and by the added activity. Where we looked at the septic system sites they are all wooded now, is there a way to prevent building on Lot 4 . Can you think about this until the next Council meeting. Melamed replied that he would not rule that out, it would become an economic questioned for the City. He predicted that it would be unlikely that the neighbors would say that they would like to buy it, or share it, and he was not sure how that would work, even if they wanted to. "I think this would be an issue for the City and myself . " George Hust, resident at 820 Old Crystal Bay Road, felt that to take Plan B, the land off the back, then find out the bike trail comes down the front, as neighbors we didn' t get the buffer, the trees, the easement, but then we get the bike trail down the front . Flint, replied that you will get the buffer, per what Mabusth said. The buffer north, east, and west will be there at any rate . Mrs . Hust, stated that when their house was built in 1912 , it was built close to the road. If we have a bike trail it will be coming through our front living room and that is not going to be great and I think that is what we are concerned about . If you have this buffer zone on the eastern edge, you could put the bike trail where these people can have a nice bike ride rather then on the road, on the western edge of this property. Flint stated if we decided to just take property on the east side, and not make any provision for a bike trail on the west side then we would have no option later on where we would put it . He stated that he would be concerned about locating a bike trail close to the pond because he thought it could interfere with the ducks there . If we turn down the opportunity to take some land on the west side 5 ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 3, 1995 (Discussion of Proposed Development near French Creek Preserve - Continued) of the property we will forever lose that option. In terms of our own planning I can show you where the City has conceptually approved a bike trail . There is one down Old Crystal Bay Roade Construction along the south portion from the Luce Line to Noerenberg has not been a high priority. "We couldn' t even put one in front of your house because we don' t have an easement . If you sometime divided your property in the future, we could ask for an easement at that time, but we just can' t put a bike trail on your property without your consent . " He said what the Commission would be addressing later on is the question of whether it should take 15' less on the east, in order to be able to take 15' on the west for a possible future bike trail . Mrs . Hust, felt that if we take Plan B, this is an extremely heavily wooded piece of property, and if we don' t make Melamed give the buffer zone around the outside, it is so heavily wooded these people are going to be protected anyhow. She thought the City was better off taking a chunk of land on the east side of the plat because the buffer zone is already there . Melamed stated as long as the buffer zone is going to be there on the west anyway the trees are going to stay. Flint stated, as Mabusth was saying, that will have to be imposed as a condition of not putting a central road in there . The buffer zone area shown on Plan A on the north, west and south will be there anyway. Melamed suggested maybe the answer was to have a 50' buffer on the east side and have an engineer measure whatever is left over and use it all along Old Crystal Bay Road, so you have both buffer zone areas . If you do it by Park Dedication the only buffer zone you will have is on the north between us and Art Ellis and the property lot lines . Flint stated that from the standpoint of the Park Commission there were three matters to consider: l . If we want to make a recommendation to the City Council with respect to the development of Lot 4 . 2 . Do we want to take land or money. 3 . Do we want to reduce the amount we are taking on the east side in order to take some area for a bike trail on the west . Wilson, agreed. 6 ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 3, 1995 (Discussion of Proposed Development near French Creek Preserve - Continued) Melamed stated that once we decide how much land we want on the east, then we can calculate how much to take on the west, or vice a verse . Flint felt that we did not need more then 15' for the bike trail . Because it can be wound in and out of the trees and the wetlands . Wilson asked to discuss the bike trail issue . She felt it plays on the first 2 issues and she questioned the need for a bike trail south of the Luce Line . The key reasons for the Old Crystal Bay Road Bike Trail were to connect it up with the unique bike trail at Baker Park, second key factor was for the kids to come up to the school for ball games, playground, tennis courts, etc . , both of which out weighed the negatives . On the south side of the Luce Line, " I can' t think of any significant reasons to do a separated trail . I think a shoulder that would be somewhat rideable, where you would just be having 3 ' here and there when the road is redone . But a separated trail to me, would have no advantage at all, rather then destroying the rural character of the area and taking people' s property when their houses are close to the road. There are a lot of low spots along that road that would be almost impossible to put a bike trail across . One is north of Wysocki' s house, a huge wetland that goes way back. Even on Melameds property, there are major wetlands . " Flint pointed out that a bike trail south of the Luce Line was in the City' s long range plan. He said nobody was proposing a trail in a week or a month or a year, what we are talking about is whether we forever give up the opportunity to secure the easement . White felt that the Commission should take an easement, if not for today, tomorrow or 25 years from now, but for 50 to 100 years from now. Who knows what is going to happen out there, one tornado and all the houses and woods are gone . We really risk not taking this for the future generations . Even if we don' t plan on building it for 5 of 50 years . What is the harm in doing that? If you don' t vote for it, it won' t happen. Who knows 75 years from now. I remember in Minneapolis, they said what vision they had for their Park System. I don' t intend to vote for a bike trail right now, but maybe in future years, it will be so different in character we won' t be talking about the rural character of Orono, but we will be talking about the big city problems 100 years from now. Who knows? But if we don' t take the easement now, can you imagine wh�t the land values are going to be later. Big Island, the entire Hennepin County Park Section, which was purchased in the last 25 years for $50 , 000 . 00 dollars . No one could consider buying that kind of land for any thing close to that price now. 7 ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 3, 1995 (Discussion of Proposed Development near French Creek Preserve - Continued) Wilson felt that White was talking about big land purchases . Were just talking about a 15' strip for a bike trail . White said, "I'm talking about what land is going to do in future years out here . " No one can believe how things could change in price . Things are going to cost more in the future, trying to get this down the line, 50 years from now, at 15' is going to be very costly. I think you would be wise to do it and put it in the bank and say okay it' s there . That way even if for some reason the people in those houses tear down those trees and the deed restricts them, some one tears out that buffer, you' ll say gee there' s no way to put a buffer here . Tthe city says wait a minute we have 15' extra here we can put trees on for you. We may not ever use it as a bike trail, they don' t even use bikes now in the twentysecond century. I don' t think there is a good argument for not taking the easement . Flint stated the bike trail plan was adopted by this Park Commission a long time ago before a lot of us were on it . If were going to vary that, then we should go though the same kind of public input process we did at that time . For what ever reason all of the considerations ought to be taken into account if we are going to change the plan. Flint suggested that we consider the Melamed development in an orderly fashion. He suggested first as to a recommendation on Lot 4 . Is there a motion that the City acquire all of Lot 4 so that we don' t have a house built on it . Wilson questioned whether the will City would put the money up. Flint stated that he didn' t know. The Park Commission would have to consider buying the acreage to the extent it exceeds that which would be donated under the Park Dedication schedule . McMillan asked if the additional buffer zones would also be included around the other sides? Wilson and Flint indicated that the buffers would still be required on the north, south and west sides . Isle, stated that if we go back to the meeting with the Planning Commission, one of the things we all agreed upon was that the residents wanted us to seek more open space and preserve it and if there' s an opportunity here and if the covenants can work. But if it will work to have more land here next to the Park then it makes more sense, if there' s a way to make it work, she would like to see it work. 8 ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 3, �995 (Discussion of Proposed Development near French Creek Preserve - Continued) Wilson stated that she agreed with Isle . White asked for a motion. Motion 1 . To recommend to the City that if it is at all possible not to have a house built on Lot 4, and that this lot be acquired and added to the French Creek Preserve . Isle moved, Wilson seconded. Melamed asked for a clarification on the first motion, in the event the City or the park would acquire the property on the east side of the wetland which is what most of Lot 4 consist of, am I assuming that the question of park land dedication on the other three lots would not come up . If I were to cooperate with the City to try to f igure out a way not to put a house on Lot 4 , and let the City acquire that as park land, would I still be looking at a park land dedication fee for the first three lots, or will that have been met by donating Lot 4 . Flint reply that he is assuming that we are going to take the maximum land that we are entitled to take, under that first motion, so there is no authority that we can take additional park land. So you take what you can take, and then buy what you can' t take asked Melamed. Flint agreed. The vote on the motion was, Ayes 5, Nays 0 . Motion 2 , do we want to take land or money? White moved to take land, McMillan seconded. Ayes 5, Nays 0 . Flint indicated that the remaining question was where to take the land: on the east side, which would be adjacent to our existing park; or part on the east side and part on the west . McMillan, stated that the buffer zone is a benefit of the neighbors and the people living in the development as well as the people driving up and down Old Crystal Bay Road. It screens everybody from the various groups . She felt that from an environmental point of view it doesn° t do a whole lot to take a portion of land on each side, because it ends up fragmenting the corridor. Taking a heavily wooded parcel putting in 4 homes plus 4 mound systems and roads would take out many trees, plus the fact that people like to have lawns and back yards for the kids to play. So actually the buffer system doesn' t work well from an environmental point view and that' s why a lot of people are saying its better to take a chunk of forest adjacent to another wildlife area and combine it 9 ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 3, 1995 (Discussion of Proposed Development near French Creek Preserve - Continued) together. That is why the best idea is not to build on Lot 4 . Melamed stated that one thing we have going for us, is the lift station and that if someone builds on Lot 4 , they are not going to want to see the lift station. They are going to leave every tree there that is possible to leave . McMillan stated that a screen is different then a corridor, you can have 2 rows of evergreens and be screened, but that is not sufficient for wildlife . Melamed stated that he is not opposed to Plan A or Plan B, either will work for me . He said that he understood why an argument can be made in taking as much as possible on the east side preserving as much woods as we can next to the other woods . McMillan said that we also have to think about the neighborhood, preserving a buffer zone for the citizens of Orono along Old Crystal Bay Road. Wilson moved to take all, (as much as we can) on the east side to protect the wildlife area. Flint stated that he opposed the motion because if at some future time it appears that the best place to construct the trail is on the west side, the City will have lost its ability to do so. The City has an easement that goes from Rainey Road to Fox Street right now and that could be used for a trail if we can go down the back way. The City also owns where the park is . There is one piece of private property between the two that is not covered by an easement, but this property ultimately will be developed. Thus, it may be that we will build a trail along the east side, but failing to take a corridor along the west side we lose the flexibility of choosing between the routes at that time . Flint suggested that we take the land on the east side except for a 15' easement coming down the west side, where we could put a bike trail . Wilson moved her motion, seconded by Isle . Ayes 2 , Nays 3 . Motion failed, White, Flint and McMillan opposed. White moved to take all on the east side and 15' on the west side for a bike trail, Flint seconded. Ayes 2, Nays 3 . Motion failed, McMillan, Isle and Wilson opposed. McMillan changed her vote to Wilson' s motion. 10 ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 3, 1995 (Discussion of Proposed Development near French Creek Preserve - Continued) McMillan moved to take all, as much as we can on the east side to protect the wildlife area, Wilson seconded. Ayes 3 (Wilson, Ilse and McMillan) , Nays 2 (Flint and White) . (#3) Open Space Planning Project Flint felt this item did not need to be taken up now, for he felt it needed a lengthy discussion. wilson stated that Ron Moorse was going to get a questionnaire out to help with giving thoughts for a future discussion. Flint agreed to follow up with Ron Moorse on the questionnaire . McMillan felt that we need to look at what happens to the Park Dedication funds, she stated that its going to dry up, we probable should go to l0o instead of 80 . (#4) Hennepin County Bike/Hike Trail Information Gerhardson stated this item was for the Park Commission Members information only to let them know that Hennepin County Public Works is becoming interested in bike trails . Flint asked Gerhardson if he knew whether the County still was interested in a bike trail on County Road 6/Watertown Road. Gerhardson had not heard anything new for several months, thought they were concentrating on the intersection design at this time . Isle thought they were starting on the west part of Sixth Ave and McCulley Road this summer. Gerhardson said no that it would be from County Road 19 West, but not all the details are worked out yet . Isle asked if the County' s plan was to get to the border of Orono shortly? Gerhardson felt we could see construction as soon as May 5 , 1995 on the road, but that the bike trail plan is not part of the upgrade plan as far as he knows . Flint stated there is no action on this item, just to let the members know what is going on. 11 ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 3, 1995 (#5) Trail Update Brown Road Trail Flint questioned Gerhardson as to when the City expects to compete the Brown Road segment of the Bike Trail? Gerhardson stated that they have not started yet but hopes to by the end of May and finish up in June . McMillan asked how the bike trail portion was to be funded, i .e . , was the City Council planning to use Park Dedication fees or MSA funds? Gerhardson was not sure at this time . Old Crvstal BaY Road Trail Flint asked when the paving was going to occur on the portion of the bike trail on Old Crystal Bay Road over the former Dickey property. Gerhardson expected as soon as the road restrictions were off, and the bituminous plants open up. Which could be between the middle of April to the lst of May. Flint referred to the memo from Ron Moorse stating that the City does not have any money to take from MSA funds . The total cost from Baker Park to the Old Crystal Bay Road Railroad bridge is $235, 000 . 00 . Of that amount we would pay half, which is $117, 500 . 00 . White reported that the DNR may be able to award $50, 000 out of next years funding and also perhaps $50 , 000 out of funding for the first year ending June 1995 . There are a number of projects that are in the previous funding cycles that are not going to be fulfilled. Flint summarized that the cost from the park fund may be as low as $67 , 500 . 00 for this phase or it may be $117, 500 if DNR funding is not available . Flint moved to recommend to the City that they accept the bids and go forward, recognizing that the funds are going to come out of the Park Dedication Fund, for phase one, McMillan seconded. Ayes 5, Nays 0 . Flint agreed to remind Moorse that he needs to verify with Doug Bryant that Hennepin Parks funding for 50% is still available . (#6) Review of 1995 Action Plan Flint asked if there are any questions on this item. Flint stated that Council Member Jabbour felt that the Park members should tour Big Island to view the park opportunities there . It was agreed that a tour would be organized in the several months . 12 ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 3, 1995 (Review of 1995 Action Plan - Continued) Wilson asked if the signs have been ordered yet for Highwood Trail and if the parking lot is going to be built . Gerhardson replied yes . Wilson questioned if the Lowry Woods Subdivision was done yet? Gerhardson replied that it has not yet been completed. Flint requested that Gerhardson check out the foot bridge located on the north side of Sixth Ave N to see if such a bridge would be appropriate for crossing the ravine into Lowry Woods . Wilson asked if the subcommittee wants to go out and look at a possible trail in Highwood, this weekend or next . Flint would not be available this weekend. Flint stated the need to get an agenda together for which parks to tour. (#7) Coordination with Planning Commission to Obtain Earlier Input of Proposed Developments Flint reported that he made the point with Planning Commission that Park Commission would be willing to review preliminary subdivisions at an earlier date to provide input on money or land decision for park dedication fee . Flint felt that we need to keep Mabusth informed so that she is aware of Park Planning. Wilson felt that Mabusth and Gaffron need to know what our agendas are and what we are looking for. Flint stated that Mabusth suggested that one Park Commission member attend each of their meetings . Flint asked Gerhardson if he receives Planning Commission information at all prior to their meetings . Gerhardson replied only the subdivisions, of one lot or more . Wilson asked when is City Council going to appoint a new member to the Park Commission? Flint questioned if they have advertised for the position yet . Gerhardson replied that it is in the newsletter just now going out . 13 ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 3, 1995 (#8) Orono Baseball Association Schedule Flint referred to the letter from Steve Carlson, president of OBA, requesting the unlimited use of Bederwood until the new fields are ready. Carlson was not present . Bosma stepped in for him, stating that the new fields will not be ready for opening day, but hopefully in June . Flint felt that the unlimited use was too much and that it should be the same use as last year until the new fields are done or until June l . Bosma questioned the June 1 date . Flint replied that OBA will need to request for the additional use of Bederwood at that time if the new fields are not done . Bosma requested that they put July 1 as the date . Flint replied that is the whole season. Isle stated that last years schedule was Monday through Thursday and Saturdays . Flint tabled part two of the letter referring to the scheduling after the new fields are up and running. He felt that at that time Carlson can come to the meeting and give more information if the field is still needed. Motion to approve the same schedule as last year until June 1 or until the new fields are up and running, whichever is earlier. Wilson moved, McMillan seconded. Ayes 5, Nays 0 . (#9) Report on Joint Meeting with other Park Commissions and School District McMillan stated that the Orono Schools are planning to build a school to house Kindergarten through Third Grade to the north of the Orono Community Church. Schumann Elementary will then house grades 4-5 and the Middle School will be grades 6-8 . Then they plan to reznodel Schumann Elementary, Middle school and the High School . White questioned what they are going to remodel at the High School? Flint asked if they were going to need a bond issue for this . McMillan stated yes . McMillan stated that the Maple Plain site would be for the Early Childhood Education Program and a Community 14 ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 3, 1995 (Report on Joint Meeting with other Park Commissions and School District - Continued) Center. Long Lake Park Commission wants to get together with us, McMillan stated. We talked about the trails with the other Park Commissions . They were interested in what everyone elses program was so they could hook-up to, if available . The school was excited about the trail . McMillan discussed Orono Park Survey with the group and told them survey indicated that people were in favor of, preserving more natural areas . She did mentioned that we have 3 natural preserves or trails and that these provide educational opportunities if parents or schools wanted to take the kids over there . Flint asked what the 3 were? McMillan replied, Highwood, Lowry Woods and French Creek. Gerhardson passed out the adopt-the-park brochure and talked about it . Flint asked if all the surrounding Park Commissions of the Orono School District attended. McMillan replied, Independence, Long Lake, Minnetonka Beach, Maple Plain and Medina. McMillan felt everyone was really interested in the brochure . White asked who did the brochure? Wilson stated Isle and Gerhardson did it together. Flint thanked McMillan for going to the joint meeting. (#10) New Business Flint asked if there was any other business that should be taken up . McMillan talked about meeting with Dave Owen and the neighbors of Crystal Bay about the playground equipment . The committee is working out some things to bring the cost in line and should have it firmed up by the May Park Commission meeting, the cost of the playground, the planting and fencing. She agreed to have all the costs together so we can recommend something to the City Council by May lst meeting. 15 � ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 3, 1995 (New Business - Continued) Gerhardson stated it should be brought to the Park Commission meeting the beginning of May, then to Council . McMillan stated that they have decided to utilize equipment that complies with ADA and that will probably increase the cost . McMillan stated that the playground is the only thing we have costs on right now. The second phase is going to be more expensive, so we need to keep this cost down. Gerhardson suggested establishing the tour route at the May meeting. Flint suggested postponing the July meeting one week since many will be out of town the week after July 4 . ADJOURNMENT Ilse moved, Flint seconded, to ad ' ur � at • 50 p.m. A s 5, Nays 0 . �, e. � � , Richard N. Flint, Chair 16