HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-30-1996 Park Commission Minutes MINUTES OF THE JOINT COUNCIL/PARK COMMISSION WORK SESSION
HELD ON TLTESDAY, JULY 30, 1996
��'�Dick Flint, Park Commission Chair, indicated the Park Commission has been working on a Park
4� Master Plan and is seeking Council direction prior to further work on the plan. Flint requested
`��y� general comments from the Council regarding the Master Plan. Councilmember Hurr suggested
�� p\p�'" that the language in the Master Plan calling for specific city actions should indicate the city
�v-� �i "may" take specific actions versus "will", so that the city can maintain some flexibility in
implementing the plan.
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� There was some discussion regarding the need to submit the master plan to the Metropolitan
Council if it is to be a formal amendment to the city's Comprehensive Plan.
One of the elements of the Master Plan is the identification of current and future park land
needs. It was suggested the city identify and designate specific areas to be set aside for park
land prior to the remainder of the city's open land being subdivided. This would enable the
developers to be aware of the planned park land as they are planning their subdivisions.
It was indicated that parents are tending to accompany their children to parks rather than
allowing them to go to parks without adult supervision.
'�� There was discussion regarding funding for parks including park land acquisition, park
����`�improvements, and park maintenance. It was suggested that the Master Plan should include a
��' .� statement indicating it is the city's intent to develop parks that require minunal ongoing
�, maintenance, and to use volunteer organizations, the schools, etc. to provide for the maintenance
of the parks and to coordinate any recreational programs in the parks.
It was suggested that a reserve fund, or something similar, be initiated to provide funds for park
maintenance, park improvements, and park expansion. It was also suggested that the city
continue to pursue grant funds to assist in funding park expenditures.
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�i There was di���iss' s to whether the city should consider the development of hi�her activity
park areas�and if so, where they should be located. It was suggested that the city's
�% ne orhood parks should not be made more active.
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It was indicated that area of Orono that is part of the Westonka School District has very little
park area. The city should look for a site or sites for additional park land to serve this area.
It was suggested that a t�e pl_ anting or tree preservation pro ram or requirements or incentives
�; be added to the city's subdivision regulations. The purpose would be to retain or provide�
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�`� landscaping/screening to mamt`gi�i the rural "forested" appearance. ,�L�� �
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MINUTES OF THE JOINT COUNCIL/PARK COMMISSION WORK SESSION
HELD ON TiTESDAY, JULY 30, 1996
page 2 of 2
Mayor Callahan suggested the two specific actions to be undertaken by the Park Commission
in relation to the parks planning effort are as follows:
(�� 1. Identify land proposed to be acquired for parks/open space and determine how the
��Y�`� land should be used.
C'�� 2. Determine whether more facilities are needed in Orono for team sport activities.
�� There was discussion regarding how the Highway 12 corridor selection process relates to the
� v city's parks planning process. It was suggested the city should develop a shopping list of
�'� amenities to be included with any Highway 12 corridor i.e. bike trails, screening, open space,
�J etc. It was also suggested the city should position itself to take advantage of opportunities to
,(���' purchase from Mn/DOT excess right-of-way acquired by Mn/DOT for Highway 12.
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