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Home My WebLink About07-13-1995 Park Commission Minutes ORONO PARK COMMISSI4N MEETING MINUTES FO�t Jt1LY 13, 199_5 ATTENDANCE The Park Commissian met on the above daCe with the foltowing mernbers present: Chair Richard Flint, Vice-Chair Lili McMillan, Commissioners Robert Howells, Susan Wilson, and James White. Sherokee Ilse was absent. Representing Staf�were Public Works Directar John Gerhardson and Recorder Sherry Frost. Chair Flint called the meeting to order at 7:22 p.m. (#1) APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF APRIL 4, 1995, MAY 1, 1995, AND JUNE 5, 1995 Wilson moved, White seconded, to approve the Minutes of the Park eommission Meeting of April 4, 1995. Ayes 5, Nays Q. Tl�e minutes of the May 1, 1995 meeting were amended as follows: Page 2, 1 st paragraph - "instailation will he performed by Ciry en�ployees" was removed. Page 4 under Item#7, last paragraph, was amended to read, "Hennepin Parks has the first right of refusal on the Veterans Camp �roperty." Flint moved, McMilian seconded, to approve the Minutes of the Park Commission Meeting of May l, 19Q5 as amended. Ayes 5, Nays 0. White moved, Howells seconded, to approve the Minutes afthe Park Commission Mseti�g of June 5, 1995. Ayes 5, Nays 4. {#2}PLANNING FUR AWARD UF FRIENDS OF THE PARK AWARD TO GiRL SC4UT TROQPS AND 4BA Flint infarmed the Commission members that the Council has approved the awards. It was decided to present the awards prior to the Park Commission meeting on Tuesday, September 5. The presentation wi11 be held outside the Council chambers at 7:00 p.m. The regular meeting wilI follovv at 7:30 p.m. Wilson will inform the girl scout troops of #he scheduled time. Ilse wi11 be in charge of refreshments. McMilian will make the presentation af the award certificates, which wili be completed by White and Gerhardson. A press release with photograph will be given to the media by McMillan. 1 C MINU'I'ES OF THE REGULAR ORQNO PARK COMMISSIQN MEETIN�G HELD�ON JULY 13, �995 (#3} R�PORT ON STATUS C)F OLD CRYSTAL BAY BIKE TRAIL (GERHARDSON) Gerhardson informed the Commission of the pending sale of the land along Old Crystal $ay Road narth of Watertown Road, wlvch is part af the traii system. The property will change ownership in August. The new owner is willing to grant the City an easement to build the trail on t11e property in return fi�r a credit against future Park Dedication fees. The current owner had not wanted the trail ta be a stumbling block for any forihevming sale of the praperty. Gerhardson reported that because of the pending sale, the DNR has granted a 30-day extension from the original deadline of August 30 for the trail to be built. The grant from the DNR has been approved and will result in matching funds up ta a certain dollar amount. Tiae other Sa°/q c�f the funds wiil cc�me fi'om Park Dedica�ic�n money. The grant fanding covers the portion of the trail which is contiguous. This will inelude for 1995 the completion of the trail from the I}ickey�n-operty south to the Luce Line, and narth from the Dickey property across Watertown Road to the top af the hill. Curb and�utter will be instailed south of the Dickey property to the Luce Line because the property owners there were not wiliing to grant an easement. The DNR grant will not cover the eost of curb and gutter but will cover 50% of the traii cost in this area. There wi11 be a 4'grass area provided between the traal and the curb. Gerhardson witl present the Commission with �act dollar costs of the trail se�nents at ihe next meeting including the partion to be paid by the DNR grant. DNR grant for this year is about �29,000 with a �s�ihle�50,440 grant money available in 1996. The DNR n�atchin�;fund grant money is geared towards projects exactly like this one for transit/trails only. McMillan askec� if Hennepin County is participating in the trail. Due to time constraints in updating the contract wit�the City, and a cancern over the Hwy l 2 cloverleaf design near Baker Park, Hennepin County has withheld their participation at this time. White said the County does have the funcls �t asici�and will save this m�ney for the trail segmeni to Baker Park Flint commented that this has been very ftustrating: When the City is ready, Hennepin Parks is not; a year ago when Hennepin Park was ready, the City was not. �,�Ve are fortunate that the delay has not raised the cost of the trail. Gerhardson said that the 1995 work will be com�leted by September af this year. Flint reported that Gerhardson was able to negotiate costs with the contractar obtaining the same cost per yard for the shorter trail segmen# as it wot�id have cost f�r the lon�er se�ment. Narmally a shorter segment is more costly, but not this time because the contraetar was atready in the area doing the Hwy 12 improvement project. Wilsan askect whether the Park Comrnission had formaliy approved the funding from the Park Dedication money. The approval was noted in the ��riE meetin�minutes, page 12, last paragraph of the Old Crystal Bay Road Trail item. 2 MINUTES OF TI�REGULAR ORUNO PARK CO1VIlvIISSION MEETING HELD ON JIJLY 13, 1995 (#3 - Old Crystal Bay Bike Trail Status Report -Continued) McMillan asked that the Pazk Commission be provided the final dollar amaunts for the 1995 trail se�tion at the August meeting, detaiiing the DNR and City costs. Gerhardson sa.id he would also provide the plans for the development of the easements. There will not be curb and gutter narth of the Dickey property because of the easement granted. McMillan and Flint discussed the future trail segment and configuration to the school and aiong CoRd 6. Flint suggested that the school board, as part of its bondin�for the new elementary school, could assist in the cost of the trail on the school property, both the iiorth-south portion along Old Crystal Bay Road and an east-west portion to connect with the trail which is planned along the south side of CoRd 6 east of Old Crystal Bay Road. (#4) CONSIDERATION OF LAND OR M4NEY TO BE DONATED TO PARK DEDICATI4N FUND IN CONNECTION WITH THE FOLLOWING SUBDIVISIONS: A. #2031 KELLY, 2340 FOX STREET- REC4MMEND TRAII. EASEMENT ALONG THE NORTH SIDE pF FOX STREET A decision for a trail easement or Park Dedication fund money will be decided at the August meeting along with item 4b as these properties would both involve a passible future trail segment along Fox Stree�t. B. #2029 SMITH,2580 FQX S'I'REET- RECOMMEND TRAIL UN NflRTN SiDE UF FOX STREET Mr. Smith sent a letter to the Park Commission regazding his opinion on whether park dedicati�n fee csr land should be taken as a result of his subdivision application. Smith asked that any decision on this ma.tter be tabled t�the August meeting when he can be in attendance. Howells moved, McMillan seconded to table the decision on Park Dedicatian for Items�A and 4B until the Au�ust meeting. Ayes S, Nays 0. C. #1921 ULRiCH, 1000 LOMA LINDA AVENUE- RECOMMEND M4NEY Flint commented that all the property in the area is developed and saw no purpose in obtaining a smal!portion of trail easement in this area. McMillan moved, Wilson seconded, to recommend Park Dedication money be taken in lieu of land for this subdivision. Ayes 5, Nays 0. 3 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COIvArIISSION MEETtNG I�LD 4N JI1LY t3, 1945 (#4 - Considerxtion of Land Or Money for Park Dedication Fund - Continued) Park Commissioners discussed a possible trail along Fox Street. McMillan said the area is very close to the Luce Line, parallels it, and wouid duplicate it. 11flcMillan did not see the neecl for a trail here. Flint responded that this gaes to the nature of any trail wt�ich would b�provideci along Fax Street. If the Commission's purpose is to buitd only major arteries, then he agreed with McMillan. If the purpose is to provide sma.�ler trails, then he did not. The park plan contemplates both types of trails. The Commission speculated on whether further expansion of Fox Street or Watertown Road wauld occur and how this would affec#trails and where they are placed, and whether separated or near a road. Wilson said serious bikers do not travel on Luce Line as it is n�t buiit for high speecis, These bikers use the roads. Wilson alsc� ct�mmented that there is gaod east-west route for bikers. It was noted that CoRd 6 has a na.rrow shoulder. Flirn camm�nted if any work were to be done an CoRd 6, it would appropriate to ask for a separated trail. White commented on the difficulty of accessing the Luce Line between V�ittaw Drive and Brown Road since the raad is hig�and the traii is low at that point. Flint commented that the Commission needs to refine its tra.il pian to decide on which side of the rc�ad a future trail may be built. Now is the time to decide this v�ith respect to Fox Street. Flint cited the example of Old Crystal Bay Road trail. TY�e utiiities were on the ' west side. Placement of hausing is atso another criteria. If they are ptaced to the rear of progerties away from the road, this is a good indicator for a trail, rather than homes close to the roads. Fiint said each project will be different and ne��er 10Q% one way. Flint commented that with respect to this portion of Fox Street, the utilities poles as well as the hc�mes near the sts-eet were on tlze soutl� side of Fox Street wluch wauld make the north side the best choice if a trail were to he considered. He pointed out that we were not naw deciding vvhether ta build the trail, but merely on which side to "bank" an easement in ease a trail is decided upon at some future time. McMillan cited the Brown Road trail. She is concerned with all the efforts taken ta gain small parcels of land fc�r trail segments. Brown invotved little cost., no easements, and no citizen complaints. McMillan fett this was a good way to approach this idea af traiis. Flint said this on�y works when major road construction is being done. McMilian fe3t it is necessary to piggyback anto these majar developments after seeing how dificult it has been to obtain the trail on Old Crystal Bay Road. 4 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD C1N JULY 13, 1995 (#4 - Consideration of Land or Money for Park Dedication Fund - Continued) Wilson said she is in favor of quantities af sma11, narrow roads like Fox Street. She feels this type of atmosphere is what draws people to Orono and did not want the City to Iose this. Wilsan is in favor of separated trail segments along major arteries. Flint agreec{ that there was nc� n�eed to build a trail along Fax Street at this time. He also favored keeping Fox Street the nanow, winding road it is at this time. But, he said, we also need to consider what may happen in the future. The City has a fi6' easement an F'ox Street; and instead of the 40'width now, the City could, at some future time, build a wider road with a sepai-ated bike trait and have no need ta obtain any furtller easements. If the City acquired trail easements at the present time, at some future time, it would have the option to buiid a narrow, off-road walking or wali�ng/biking trail off of the main right of way. McMillan did not think this was fair to homeowners, requiring them to have a trail in frant of their homes, preferring winding, thru-the-woods#ype trails. Flint said this would ailaw the area to have a place to run or jog if the road were to change. Wilson emph$sized the need to make any ch�ices carefiilly. VVhiie sa.id there are trails for transit and trails to meander thruout your neighborhood. White said he�vas in favar of drawing a community together, Wilson commented that peaple come to Orono for privacy and wou�d have chosen ather areas if they wanted a communi�y feei. Leaf Street was cited as a goad example of a meandering road where a 2' walking path is sufficient. There is light traffic, and there would be no need for easements ar ft�r widening the road. Witson said she was eoncerned with grivate property rights and whether this would lower p�-operty values. McMillan agreed wit�i Wii,r,on, adding that there is an east/west trail and a possible future trail an the Dakota rail_ McMillan further noted that Mr. Smith was not in favor af a trail on Fox Street and reemphasized, with Willow Drive and Luce Trail, a Fox Street trail would be redundant. Flint said the discussion enabled the Commission to gain each others'viewpoint for a decisic�n at the August meeting. He urged each Commissioner to view the property a.nd think about tonight's discassian, so we could vate ai the next meeting without rehashing the same discussion. 5 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETIIVG HELD (JN JULY 13, 1995 (#5) UPDATE ON CRYSTAL BAY PLAYGROUND (MCMILLAN) McMillan reported that the fencing, plantings, and seeding has been dane. The parking lot has been started. The ADA consultant has recommended that the playground equipment benefitting handicapped children be installed at this time alan�;with the other ptayground equipment. Earl Anderson Co. will be installing the regular playground equipment. The Council has been informed of the high hid received of$3,500 for the ADA playground equipment. Gerhardson is awaiting receipt of the other bid and will present to Council for approval. Since the Park Commission is aware of the high bid, there will be no need to present to the commission any other bid before going to Council. The ADA equipment consists of three pieces. The playground equipment has been ordered and is expected in 6-S weeks according to Gerhardson. The timbers wi11 be completed at that time also. It was noted that the grading and pea rock installation will be done by City employees. Howells asked if the ADA upgrade wou�d be required at all parks. Gerhardson said this could be done as parks are upgraded. $14,227 has been approved to date by the Council for playground equipment. Tota1 casts are $18,922, which includes $2125 for the burying of the u�dergraund wires, and $2500 for the pea rock. The walkway, whose funding has been approved, will be completed in conjunction�with the parking}ot. This, along with the remainder of the plantings, should be completed by fall. As mentioned above, the ADA playground equipment is out for further bid and has not been approved by the Council. McMillan noted that neighbors have asked about fencing around the parking lat area to increase the level of safety. Gerhardson said this would inter�ere with the snow plowing. This area will have plantings instead. (#6) UPDATE ON OPEN SPACE PLANNING PROCESS (GERHARDSQN) The first phase questionnaire of the open space planning process is being reviewed. Gerhardson passed out the phase 2 questionnaire to the Park Commission members for � their completion. (#7) REVIEW AND EVALUATI�N OF PROGRESS ON 1995 PARK CQMMISSIUN ACTION PLAN Hawells asked Gerhardson about the work awaiting Highwood Nature Trail, item#3 on the action plan. Howells said this was to have been completed after the load limits were lifted from the roadways. Gerhardson said he would put it on his schedule as soon as possible. Wilson will continue working with Gerhardson towards completion of the trail this fall. Howells will contact bay scout troop liaison for troop involvement at Highwaod. � NIINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARI� COMMISSION MEETING��LD �N JULY 13, 1995 (#7 - 1995 Park Commission Action Park Review - Continued) Gerhardson reporEed that the gravel base is in on the Brown Road segment of the bike/hike tcail, item#8a. The next step in the process witl he the grading and paving, which has been contracted out. Modular black retaining walls will be incorporated into t�e steep banks an this segment of the trail. Cammission members asked how this decision making process on retaining walls is done. Gerhardson said tlie property owners are contacted, shown the alternatives currently on the market, and asked for their opinion. Commission members askec�that they be included in this ptacess for input on future landscape decisit�ns. One or twa tnembers will b� contacted iri the future to assist in this decision making process. Commission members #'eei they �ave knc7wledge ta give and tc�gain in this area and wauld fike to see a mvr� natural look result instead of the locking bIock type look. Item#10 on the action agenda concerns the park on the Dickey property. Ilse was waiting to receive Native American involvement in the planning process. Wl�ite said Hennepin Parks experience was that it is preferable not to wait for their involvement but to go ahead with the pta.nning process and then seek input from the Native American grotrps. Flint said he asked Ilse to go forward with the ptanning process. McNlillan felt it was necessary to have a game plan in place. She said it was necessary to identify whether it woutd be a community or neighborhood-ty�e park. Witsc�n would like Ilse to came to the Commission with a pIan prior to cantacting any outside groups. Flint said Mayor Callahan had asked that the Park Commission move forward with the planning process. Individual ideas for the park were discussed. McMiilan, who is an the comrnittee for this park, envisions a nattural, quiet setting, self-sufficient, mernc�rial-liice, with the lana�c;ape incorporating a Native American feel. White said the geological background is interesting antl wc3e�#d iike to l�t people k�ow what the area used to be lil�e with the lake at the bottom of the hill. White cited tl�e example of Minnehaha Falls, which is a natural setting with a bronze plaque describing the area years ago. Flint felt the Native American background was also very interesting, but that it was difficult to verify because it was largely unwritten. Mc1l�illan will contact Ilse and proceed with the project. The members concluded that #hey desired ta create a Fassiue park with a living, spirituat-type reminder af the area and what had been there taking advantage t�f the view, history and rural backgraund af the area. It will nat be an activ�park. 7 MINUTES OP THE REGULAR ORONO PARK GOMMISSION MEETING HELD ON JULY 13, 1995 (#S}U1'HER BUSINESS Commissian members scheduled their attendance at the upcoming Council meetings. It is their understanding that they are to be in attendance for the beginning part of the Council meeting through the Park Commission comment section and any other agenda item that wvuld require their attention for information or advisement. The schedule is as follows: 7/24 -White 9/25 -Flint 8/14 - Ilse 10/9 -White 8/28 -Howells 10/23 -Howells 9/11 -McM'illan The need for better maps was discussed at the meeting. White will investigate the passibility of pravidin�aerial maps and will report on his findings at the August meeting. ANTUINE PARK Flint brought to the attention of the Park Commission a letter received from the Fagerness Point neighborhood concerning Antoine Park The pec>ple in the neighborhood are concerned with the safety and age of the playground eyuipment. The group is asking far the Ci#y to consider updating the equipment as weil as addin� sand or pea rock for safety should a fall occur. Members of this group will be in attendance at the August meeting to discuss the park. Flint was in favor of encouragin�a neighborhood group, who wauld like to see ittiprovements made to their particular area, and backing tlus endeavor. Due to money constraints, the Commissioners feel it is important for the City to receive the participation af the community. Raising funds for improvements and the adopt-a-pazk program for maintenance are e�.mples where community involvement is needed. McMillan said if the equigment is no langer usable, the City should not leave the land without equipment. McMillan feels choices need to be made; people live in the neighborhaods, and the Commission needs to answer their call for assista.nce. Wilson sa.id the problem always comes down to the funds needed for purchasing land or equipment. Wilson suggested meeting with the Council to bring together each gxoup's ideologies. Flint commented on a finding by the Minnesota Land Trust, who determined that a City is ahead maney-wise by Ieaving iand undeveloped. Aithough no tax base is being created, no services are required either. Wilson agreed to provide a copy of this report to Cominissian members. 8 ' MINUTES OF THE REGULAR�RONO PARK COMMISSIaN 1VMEETING HELD ON JULY 13, 1995 ADJOURNMENT Wilson moved, McMillan secondeci, to adjourn at 9:45 p.m. Ayes 5, Nays 0. �~ � . ✓ Richard N. Flint, Chair 9