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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-06-1996 Park Commission Minutes ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR MAY 6, 1996 ATTENDANCE The Park Cammission met on the above mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Richard Flint, Commissioners Lili McMillaq Susan Wilson, Andrew McDermott, Sherokee Ilse, and Jim White. Mayor Callahan was present. Recorder Sherry Frost represented staff. Chair Flint called the meeting to order at 7:21 p.m. (#1) APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF APRIL 1, 1996 McMillan requested the following changes: On page 3, under agenda item#3, 2nd paragraph, "school districts" was changed to "communities". Under agenda item #4, page 4, lst paragraph, the trail descriptions with last sentence was changed to: "One possible trail would connect, by trail only, East and West Countryside. A second trail leads north through the park land and ea.st to Thoroughbred Lane to the cul-de-sac." McMillan moved, Wilson seconded, to approve the Minutes of the April l, 1996, Meeting of the Park Commission as amended. Vote: Ayes 6, Nays 0. (#2) REPORT ON APRIL IOTH MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF ORONO SCHOOL DISTRICT, VARIOUS YOUTH SPORTS LEAGUES AND �THER PARK COMMISSIONS IN OUR AREA (MCMILLAN) 1VIcMillan reported on the recent meeting conducted by Melanie Daluka, Community Education Director, with members of the Park Commissions of area cities, heads of community youth sports leagues, and two school district board members. One recommendation of the meeting was the possible creation of a joint clearinghouse for youth sports. This would enable the groups to consolidate into one office for providing information to the public regarding their specific sports. The provision of such an office would require a fee to be collected ftom each cotnmunity to pay for its operation and for staff to take calls and administer the central office. Also discussed was a possible future community play field on the school property. White, who was not in attendance at the aforementioned meeting and who has been involved in soccer organization for many years, said he did not believe the position would require a full-time person and scheduling could be accomplished in a relatively short time period by use of a computer. Wilson said the soccer organization was represented at the meeting also and noted that field coordination would also be part of the position. There was no agreements reached at the meeting but discussion only. Wilson commented that the central oH"rce would enable new people within the district to easily inquire about the many sports organizations. 1 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR OR4N0 PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON MAY 6, 1996 (#2 - Youth Sports League Meeting - Continued} Ilse said she did not believe the individual organizations would relent their power over their particular organization but saw the focus as being on bulk mailings and information. McDermott commented that the school is handling such ca11s at this time, and it is not their function to do so. White again said he did not see the need for such a positian and noted that the soccer organization pays a small amount to the Minnesota Soccer League for administration. Flint asked him how fields were organized for saccer. White said a number of fields have been available over the years, and a coordinator of west suburban fields checks for current availability against the number of enrollees for scheduling. McMiilan asked White what happens when a member leaves the organization. White said there is on-going training and transitioning into different positions. Flint asked why this did not work with the softball organization? McMillan said the softball organization works through the district rather than as a separate organization. Wilson noted that the soccer representatives did show interest in strategizing with the other organizations. White said the soccer group has no problem with cancellations due to lack of fields. He noted there are new fields each year but conceded that the soccer organization has a much wider base. Wilson said Community Education presented the idea for a paid position and asked for a community steering group. Wilson said she felt the Park Commission should acknowledge it and assist in getting the group started. Ilse said volunteers were needed to aid the start up. Wilson said the Community Education person would coordinate the effort. McDermott noted that there were five cities involved. McMillan commented that the next meeting would consist of a smaller group with only 1-2 representatives from each organization. White said he felt the concern was being raised before there has been shown any need for such an office or position. Flint agreed with White that a broader community scope was needed. White noted the position would nat require a full-time person. McMillan commented that some groups were more organized than others. Wilson said this would enable the exchange of information and assistance amongst the organizations. The Park Commission designated Ilse, McMillan, and White to alternate as representatives to this community group. Flint said he saw it as a response to a request by Community Education to get more organizational involvement. Ilse noted new fields in Minnetonka Beach and Independence. Flint said he was asked at the meeting what other issues the Park Commissions have. He reported that it was important for the sports organizations to understand that the Park Commissions are involved with many other issues in addition to organized sports, such as open space and trails. He asked that this point be made at future meetings. 2 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COIVLMISSION MEETING HELD ON MAY 6, 1996 (#2 - Youth Sports League Meeting - Continued} Ilse reported that McDermott investigated the school attendance by residents witllin the City and found that only 50% of the children attend the Orono School District, yet, the Park Commissian has been focusing on Orono Schools. McDermott cammented that more focus needs to be placed on the Mound Westonka School District. White said that soccer is organized throughout both districts. llse noted that mailings were tied to the 4rono School District. Flint commented that baseball naw includes both districts in their mailing. Ilse said 3% of the children attend Wayzata and Minnetonka Schools. She said it is necessary for the Commission to be aware of these percentages when planning parks and working with organizations, pointing out that many do not cross district lines. McDermott said the school district should also look at Independence and other communities for their needs. Wilson moved, White seconded, to form a subcommittee, consisting of White, Ilse, and McMillan, to represent the Park Commission in working with other groups regarding possible creation of a central clearinghouse office. Vote: Ayes 5, Nays 0. (#3) WORK ON PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PLAN (ILSE AND MCDERMOTT) A. STATUS OF SUMMER INTERN REQUEST B. REVIEW OF CURRENT PLAN Flint reported on meetings with Council members and City Staff regarding the Parks and Open Space Plan. He noted that Moorse suggested updating the Council at a Council Meeting. Callahan said he would rather meet with the Park Commission in a work session. Commissioners discussed when they would be prepared for such a work session. McDermott asked for the Commissioners to submit their individual goals as discussed at the last meeting. McMillan suggested the work session be scheduled after the hiring of the park intern. After discussion, McDermott was designated to work with the intern and Staff(Moorse and Gaffron). Flint asked for an update on the park plan. Ilse said she and McDermott are reviewing the information being gathered from the other Cammissioners. The historylbackground, along with goals and objectives are the items being reviewed. A meeting date af May 2G, 8:00 a.m. was scheduled with goals to be submitted to Ilse by May 13. 3 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON MAY 6, 1996 (#4) UPDATE ON PLANS FOR 1996 BIKE TRAIL CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM Flint asked the Commissioners for their recommendation regarding trail construction for this year. He noted the grant money is to assist in completion of the trait to Baker Park. Moorse had informed Flint that Hennepin Parks has yet to commit to pay for its half of the trail into Baker Park. Moorse had suggested the Commission decide (a)whether to wait on the trail this year and complete it in 1997 or(b)do a portion of the trail this year with City money and complete it next year. Flint said Moorse suggested using grant money when available. The trigger to obtaining the grant money, however, is completion of the trail to Baker Park. Flint said Moorse believes Hennepin Parks is close to agreement on the trail into Baker Park and the configuration of Hwy 12 intersection. Moorse has shown Mn/DOT the City's own plan and said Mn/DOT was satisfied with the plan. The City and Mn/DOT now need to meet jointly with Hennepin Parks. Wilson, Fiint, and Callahan commented that Bryant of Hennepin Parks has said that he would not use money on the trail if the intersection takes significant land from Baker Park. Callahan said the Hwy 12 intersection is tied into what is being done on the eastern portion of the roadway. McMillan said she agrees with the information given by Moorse in his memo and believes the subcommittee should speak with Hennepin Parks. Flint commented that in the short run, the chance of agreement with Hennepin Parks is not good as Bryant now is unwillling to separate the Hwy 12/CoRd 6 intersection and the trail. Callahan said the trail is part of the whole City trail system. He said the Council is canceptually in favor of it. Callahan said Hennepin Parks came in after the trail system for the City was designed and wanted to get involved. He said there is a concern for how the trail will be paid for, but it is not based an Hennepin Parks. Callahan told the Commission they should go ahead with the trail to the extent they are willing to use park funds. Callahan said that he thinks Hennepin Parks eventually will get involved in the trail. Areas of the new trail sections where problems have arisen were discussed. A section south of Old Crystal Bay Road bridge may need to go through condemnation proceedings or be built outside of the tree line. Flint said that construction would probably kill some af the trees and a retaining wall would be required. Flint proposed building the trail to Hwy 12. He noted the grant money requires completion of the trail by 1997 but said there was a possibility of an extension. It was noted that the school district may also assist with the trail on the school property as well as the County Highway Department with the trail near CoRd 6. Callahan said the Park Commission should first decide whether they want to continue with the trail before deciding on the particulars. � MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON MAY 6, 1996 (#4 - 1996 Bike Trail Construction Update - Continued} Flint noted that the availability of Hennepin Park funds was based on the trail leading from one recreational area to another. Callahan agreed that the grant money was connected to conditions but it should not change the Commission's mind regarding the trail. McMillan noted that the portions af the trail that have already been constructed were low in cost. She added that the more expensive areas of construction are ahead. Callahan suggested completing the trail from Old Crystal Bay Road to the school property. He added that another bond referendendum would probably involved a new school, and that construction would trigger the trail on the school property. Flint said he was concerned with changes being made because of Hwy 12. McDermott noted that if that should occur, the trail would be replaced in kind by Mn/DOT. Flint commented that the Park Commission is not made aware af the highway plans. He noted that Cook said he was redesigning the trail to keep costs down. Flint informed Wilson that the trail cost would come out of the Park Dedication fund. Wilson said she could not agree to that. Callahan commented to Wilson that she wants the trail but doesn't want to pay for it7 He noted that the trail should continue to be built. White and McMillan agreed that the trail was worthwhile and should be continued. McMillan asked what has been spent on the trail so far. Flint said the cost was between $100,Q00 and $150,000. Wilson asked what part of the trail so far has been paid for with Park Dedication money. Flint said the Dickey subdivision portion was paid for by the developer, in lieu of Park Dedication fee. The trail north of Watertown and from the Dickey property to the Luce Line was completed with aid of grant money from the DNR. White noted that a trail casts about $20/foot to construct without culverts. Flint asked the Commision if a decision should be made on continuing the trail. McDermott said a realistic cost estimate shauld be received. McMillan said dialogue should be reopened with Doug Bryant of Hennepin Parks. Callahan said that Moorse will be speaking with Bryant on the subject also. Flint said the cost will be determined for discussion at the June meeting. Callahan said he would ask for input at the Council meeting from the Council members. (Ilse left the meeting at this time.} 5 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COM(VIISSION MEETING HELD ON MAY 6, 1996 (#5) UPDATE ON INTERIOR TRAILS FOR DtCKEY/COFFIN DEVELOPMENTS (DEVELOPER TO BE ASKED TO APPEAR AT THE MEETING) Flint noted disappointment at the developer's absence. He reported that Moorse commented if the interior trails were not completed using a permanent material, maintenance would be difficult. Moorse has suggested if the Comrnission does not want an asphalt trail that the trail should be made private. McDermott suggested keeping the trait public as the City would never get the trail back ance it is private. McMillan noted that the road was private with a public easement access. McDermott said the road would not become a public road until the road was completed connecting it to the other side of Countryside. McDermott commented that the development homeowners association could also put restrictions on the trail use if it was private. Wilson asked what happened with the Park Commission motion for a natural trail with monument markings? McDermott noted that the Staff was not in favor of that motion. Wilson said she was personally opposed to a blacktop trail as it ruins the character of what Orono is representative of. McDermott commented that the City does not wish to maintain natural trails. McMillan commented that the area would be law in traffic count. McDermott said the trails would provide an easy cut through from one area to another for the residents and reiterated that the trails were shown on the plat maps. FGnt read the motion made by the Commission at the April meeting. Wilson agreed with the motion. McDermott said he now could not agree with the motion. White noted a problem when weeds grow tall, but Wilson said she preferred the monument markings. Wilson moved, McMillan seconded, to reaffirm the motion made for a natural trail with monument markings. Vote: Ayes 4, Nays 1 - McDermott. (#6) ACCESS TO LOWRY WOODS OPEN SPACE AREA Flint reviewed the memo by Moorse regarding access to Lowry Woods. Staffs recommendation for access is a 20' pedestrian only easement via the triangular piece of land adjacent to the southwest corner of Lowry Woods separating the parcel from CoRd 84. No parking would be provided. Moorse said if the Park Commission agreed with the recommendation, Staff would attempt to negotiate for the easement over the land mentioned. 6 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR aRONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON MAY 6, 1996 ' (#6 - Access to Lowry Woods- Continued) Wilson noted that this access is apart from the homes in the area, and the only resident that would need to be contacted were the 3ohnso�'s. McDermott commented that the only people that could have a problem with this solution would be the residents of 4440. White moved, McMillan seconded, to accept the recommendation made by Staff. Vote: Ayes 5, Nays 0. (#7) PGANNING FOR JUNE PARK TOUR THE FOLLOWING SUGGESTIONS WERE MADE AT APRIL MEETING: CRYSTAL BAY PARK FISHING PIERS BEACAES NEW DNR BOAT RAMP LOWRY WOODS AIGHWOOD NATURE TRAIL SAGA HILL ANTOINE PARK DICKEY PROPERTY- PARK AND INTERIOR TRAILS The tour is set for Monday, June 3, 1996, at 6:OQ p.m. Flint said Moorse suggested adding open space areas that are being considered for open space preservation. Wilson said she recently reviewed the open space plan and didn't see any significant areas of importance but would consider touring a) the 60 acre parcel east of the play fields for possible use as a community field, and b)the 9.9 acre site in Navarre, which is the only open space in Navarre, which she noted to have no park areas. The areas considered for parks were c} lot ne�to Hackberry and d) 2 houses next to Old Crystal Bay Park. Commissioners discussed concern for property owners and conflict with the Commission considering land that is currently privately owned. Flint suggested identifying areas for possible future open space and working with property owners in retaining land as park land through Minnesota Land Trust. The recent tour of Big Island was noted. Jabbour had suggested identifying the area as a large open space so future developers understand how the City views certain parcels. McDermott nated the importance of giving the City direction in the way to pursue land in the future. He commented if the Staff is unaware of how the Commission views open space parcels, the Staff will not have a clear view on how to work with developers when such land comes up for development. White said he saw it as a community wide issue noting the need for a11 residents to be involved. � MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON MAY 6, 1996 (#7 -Park Tour Planning- Continued) Flint recommended the Commission identify areas they would like to be preserved as such areas are on the decrease. McMillan said she was concerned with the property owners hearing the City wants their particular property. White cited the City of Minneapolis as an example. He said Minneapolis has created a list of significant properties to use as a guidetine. Wilson noted the difference in size of the two communities and suggested Orono preserve the integrity of the City and assist those interested in preserving their land. 1VIcMillan commented that she set up a photo session with Jason Christenson at Old Crystal Bay Park as the first stop on the June tour. McDermott asked about the DNR boat ramp. This area will be driven by. Antoine Park was added to the list of stops on the tour. (#8) OTHER BUSINESS Flint brought the Commission's attention to the recommendation made in the memo by Moorse regarding an upcoming subdivision at CoRd 19 and CoRd 84. Moorse suggested the Park Commission recommend taking an easement along the utility easement, which is along both Bayside and North Shoreline Drive. This would enable the trail to be built when the County im�roves CoRd 19. McMillan commented that her goals suggested a north/south bike trail along CoRd 19. The recommendation would be consistent with her goal. The easement would provide the necessary tie in for such a trail. Park Dedication fund would not be reduced because of the easement as it is over a utility easement and would be constructed through the future development. White moved, McDermott seconded, to recommend taking an easement along the drainage and utility easement around the two perimeters of the aforementioned property and not reducing the Park Dedication fee. Vote: Ayes 5, Nays 0. Wilson said she was concerned with the conditions of the parks in the City. It was noted that sod needs to be replaced near the playground equipment at Old Crystal Bay Park. The utility lines need to be buried first, and sidewalk installec! near the post office. This sidewalk has to be completed prior to the plantings, which is scheduled in two weeks time. She said there also were piles of scraps that need ta be cleaned up. Wilson also reported that the sign and bench have not been installed at Highwood. Boardwalks are also necessary in some low lying areas. White reported that trail signs have not yet been installed. g MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON MAY 6, 1996 (#8 - Other Business - Continued) The Commissioners commented and agreed that although there are insufficient funds to do much, what is being done should be done well, or the City will lose its credibility. Wilson noted that the twa Girl Scouts troops are working at French Creek picking up loose asphalt and trimming the landscaping. Flint said he repoRed to Moorse his disappointment re�arding the funding for the park intern being taken out of Park Dedication Fund instead of the general fund. Moorse said the original recommend was of a lesser amount, so he thought the intent was that the funds come out of Park Dedication. Flint said he thought we should look at the Park Dedication Fund as a trust fund and not as an operating fund. The Commissioners also felt the intern and docks should have been paid out of a maintenance fund. It was also noted that the trails were originally planned to be paid from MSA funding rather than from the Park Dedication Fund. ADJ4URNMENT Chair Flint adjourned the meeting at 9:45 p.m. chard N. Flint, Chair 9