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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-03-1996 Park Commission Minutes � � ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 3, 1996 ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met on the above mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Richard Flint, Lili McMillan, Andrew McDermott, David Beal, and Jim White. Sherokee Ilse and Susan Wilson were absent. Representing Staffwere Public Works Director John Gerhardson and Recorder Sherry Frost. Chair Flint called the meeting to order at 7:18 p.m. (#1)APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JULY 1, 1996 AND AUGUST 5, 1996 MEETINGS On page 7, the last paragraph was changed to note that the digger was a one piece, not one piece with two diggers. McMillan moved, Beal seconded, to approve the Minutes of the Park Commission Meeting of July 1, 1996 as amended. Vote: Ayes 4, Nays 0. (White had not yet arrived.) Flint moved, McMillan seconded, to approve the Minutes of the Park Commission Meeting of August 5, 1996. Vote: Ayes 4, Nays 0. (#2) REPORT �N COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 12, 1996 Flint and McDermott reported on the discussion between the Dickey developers, the subdivision's property owners, and the Council regarding internal trails for the subdivision. Flint had offered to have an informal meeting among the Park Commission, the developer, and property owners to determine if a satisfactory resolution could be worked out on an informal basis, but subsequently, received a call from a property owner representative, indicating that the property owners did not wish to meet with the Cammission. The neighbors had decided it would not be productive to meet with the Park Commission regarding the issue. They said they were unanimously opposed to the trails and asked that the discussion be removed from the agenda. Flint said Mayor Callahan also thought it would be premature to have said discussion as the Council has not decided on what action should be taken. Gerhardson passed out a letter received on this date from the neighbars requesting that the City vacate the internal trails. McMillan said she hoped a lesson could be learned from this experience in that internal trails should be constructed as part of the subdivision once that decision is made and before the homes in a new development are built. This would eliminate any misunderstanding of what is to be in a subdivision. McDermott suggested trails be installed when the street is laid out and before any foundation is poured for any of the homes in a subdivision. 1 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 3, 1996 (#2 - Report on August 12, 1996 Council Meeting - Continued) McDermott asked that the Park Commission respond to the trail planned for Thoroughbred Meadows prior to the homes going in to eliminate the same problem arising there. It was noted that the trail was part of the same trails being discussed and not of another subdivision. McMillan asked if a credit had been received from the developer for dedication of the public trails. McDermott noted that other concessions were given in the subdivisian approval process. Flint noted that it was difficult to discern where the miscommunication occurred and suggested that the blame should be shared amongst all involved. McDermott said Council Member Jabbour read minutes regarding the trails at the meeting and Mabusth referred to letters sent to the developer regarding the trails. Failure of the developer to construct the trails when the development work was done had resulted in the current problem. Flint said there were two developers involved. Tandem Group, represented by Mr. Putnam, was the original owner and saw the trails as an amenity. The property was then sold to Tony Eiden, the home builder, who apparently did not see the trails as an amenity and made no reference to them in his marketing. Flint said the legal opinion for the property would show the internal trails existing but the drawings of the subdivision shown to the purchasers did not note the e�stence of the trails. It appears to the Commissioners that further action regarding the trails will come from the Council. McMillan said the Park Commission should have been more specific on the trails themselves. McDermott agreed noting standards should be set. McMillan commented on the different terrains and maintenance issues involved for trail systems making the use of set standards dif�icult. McDermott said the City has contour maps to assist in their recommendations. Flint cited an example of the subdivision trails on the Coffin property and the need for fle�bility in trail designing. Part of the Coffin interior trails was surfaced with wood chips, but its e�stence was known by the home owners. It was also noted that the Coffin trail was private, not public. McMillan asked that the Park Commissions learn from this experience. Flint noted the need to understand how subdivisions work. 2 MINUTES OF THE REGUI,AR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETIIVG HELD ON SEPTEMBER 3, 1996 (#2 -Report on August 12, 1996 Council Meeting - Continued) White commented that the real estate agents involved for the subdivision should have known and informed the buyers of the internal trails. Flint said that Mr. Putnam claimed the trails were landscaped. McMillan and McDermott disagreed noting only slight grading was performed where there are ditches in need of culverts. Beal asked what recourse the City has. Flint said the Council would make that determination. (#3) FINAL REPORT BY CITY INTERN, MICHAEL SCHULTZ Schultz will continue to work on the completion of the park inventory and reported at the October meeting of the Commission. He presented the Commissioners with a lake access map and trail access map. McDermott suggested mowing and using corner posts to mark trails that were unmarked. The list of lake accesses will be reviewed to determine the needs of the City in relation to the lake access points. The purpose of the list is to show an inventory and determine future potential. Documentation of maintenance is also required. McMillan noted that the size of the parcels was an important consideration. Items for completion were noted to be: 1} Copying park site plans; written documentation has been completed. 2) Trail documentation. 3) Editing and modification by the Park Commission. White reported that he has ordered the demographics of the City from census tracts and will deliver them to Staff soon. (#4) REPORT ON STATUS OF BID AWARDS REGARDING CRYSTAL BAY BIKE TRAIL(JOHN GERHARDSON) Gerhardson reported that the engineering estimate for the bike trail to Kelley Parkway was $150,000. The lowest bid came in at $164,000. Flint suggested continuing the trail to the teen center as the additional cost would be minimal. The recommendation will go before the Council next week for approval. The funding would come from the Park Dedication Fund. McDermott questioned continuation to the teen center. Gerhardson said there is a pedestrian crosswalk at the teen center for access to the school. Flint said the advantage to the trail going to the teen center now would eliminate the need far that small piece to be completed later, and the City would be finished with their portion of the trail system. Hennepin County Park Reserve District has agreed to construct the trail along CoRd 6 into Baker Park to Old Crystal Bay Road. The remaining portion is school property and will be constructed by the school. 3 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 3, 1996 (#4 - Crystal Bay Bike Trail - Cot�tinued} The Commissioners, thereupon, viewed the area under discussion. It was noted that buses line up along the road and cause problems with crossing. The continuation of the trail to the teen center would aid in safety for the students. Gerhardson said the trail would be off the right-of-way and would not require curb and gutter. It was also noted that the line of trees and foliage create a buffer zone between the roadway and the city offices as well as help in water retention. Flint pointed out that the City also owns the property between the city offices and the teen center so there will be no additional cost for obtaining the easement. Gerhardson also reported on the easements being sought from property owners for the trail. No agreement has been reached for an easement on the Hile property. The Wills and Brandenburgs are at the point of signature for the easements. White moved, Flint seconded, to recommend the trail continue north to the teen center for cornpletion this year. Vote: Ayes 4, Nays 1, McDermott. McMillan asked if there would be a cost estimate for this portion of the trail. Gerhardson said there would be. The project limits would be extended and renegotiated with the contractor on a $ per foot basis. It was noted that a profile of the trail was available. There was discussion over the $50,000 of available funds from the DNR grant. It was determined that the DNR provides the funds; and if the project is not completed per the conditions, the money would have to be reimbursed to the DNR. It was asked that the time frame limitations be spelled out and the Council informed of any restrictions. (#5) DETERMINATION OF PARK COMMISSION REPRESENTATION AT FOLLOWING CITY COUIYCIL MEETINGS: OCTOBER 14 - Flint OCTOBER 28 - White NOVEMBER 11 -Wilson NOVEMBER 25 - McDermott DECEMBER 9 - Ilse JANUARY 13 - Beal =� MINUTES OF THE REGULAR 4RON4 PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 3, 1996 (#6) PARK MASTER PLAN FOLLOW UP: A. PARK AND OPEN SPACE IDENfiIF'ICATION - WILSON (CHAIR), MCDERMOTT,AND MCMILLAN Flirt said Wilson had informeci him that the subcommitt�e ha.d not yet met. B. L�NG TE1tNI �UNDING- WHITE (CHAIR), FLINT,AND BEAL White was iflformed tha� he was chosen to chair this subcommittee since he was knowledgeable ahaut fundinq options. C. COMMUNITY PLAY F�ELDS AND HIGHER ACTIVITY PA�tK AREAS - ILSE (CHAIRJ�AND WH1TE Ilse was not present. White cited an exarnple of an aquatic center located in another city with similar demographics next to a teen center. He said the facility was weli run by the park board of that city. White said �e has sent far info�-mation on the aquatic center and sees possibilities€or such a center in thono. D. TItEE PLAN'Y'I1�t�5 • MCM:LLLAN (C�A�R),WILSON, AND BEAL Flint provided information he received from the DNR concerning tree plantings and the use of aquatic plants to create natural buffer aones to lakeshore. Flint said the information cauld help create an ethic and assist in the educational pracess. McM�laz�agreed that the buffer aones were helpful in containing runoff. Plint nated that many problerns have arisen due ta early development prior to 1ake�hore orclirrances. T�e Cammissian all agreed that manicwed lawns create prc�lems where lakeshare e�sts. White a.lso addeci t�at the gtantings help in creating witdlife habitats. 11qcDermott suggested the inforrna�ion on aquatic plantirigs be sent out to home owners of lakeshore. McM}llan s}aggested the use of the newsletter to relay the infarmatir�n. McMi[�an said the subcommittee has not yet met but she has beea compiling information nn plants and preservation issues for discussion at the�ctober meeting. 5 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 3, 1996 E. HIGHWAY 12 PARK/TRAIL PR(?POSAL TO MNlDOT It was concluded that this subject would be considered by the entire Commission at the present time. A discussion was held concerning the possibility of unused portions of property that may be candemned when the highway is reconstructed. McDermott suggested these portions could be used for parks. Flint said he thought the highway department would only take that portion needed and pay severance damage far the rest. McDermott said he thought the highway department wauld purchase entire parcels and resell the unused pnrtions. It was noted that relocation of homes was only rarely done. Flint said he would inquire if more than the right-of-way can be taken in such cases before the next meeting. White said the cost can be prohibitive. Flint explained that if the highway department comes up to your property line only, there is na recaurse on the part of the property owner. If some of the property awner's land is taken, then severance damages are usually paid but it may be better from a financial standpoint ta take the whole parcel and resell a portion of it. McDermott suggested that in such cases, the excess land be considered for park and open space purposes. Flint agreed that this would be a possibility. The following requests were identified for communication to the City Council and Mi�/DOT: 1} Review adjacent or affected parcels for development as community play fields or neighborhood parks. Gerhardson said the City would need to determine if pedestrian access would be allowed to adjacent parcels. 2) TraiUlinear park along right-of-way. Flint suggested asking for trails in wildlife areas. White cited examples of wildtife corridors being created along CoRd 18 in Bloomingtan. 3) Pedestrian access across highway. Over or under passes to reconnect the cammunity. Beal asked if a trail ne�to a highway was a good idea. McDermott commented that it would be better than not having one and noted that the collector streets would become busier from the highway improv�ments. White passed out information from the Met Council on regianal growth and how it corresponds to the philosophy in Orono of maintaining open spaces. 4) Refaresting of areas. White noted the 2-for-1 replacement rule. Flint also noted that wetlands are protected by mitigation. 6 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 3, 1996 F. GOALS McDermott suggested the subcommittees review the goals previously laid out in the Park Master Plan draft that pertain ta their particular areas of concer�. The original list can then be amended, modified, or rewritten. McDermott said he would then review the goals not covered by the subcommittees for inclusion in the master plan. (#7) OTHER BUSINESS Flint reported tha� Susan Wilson has noted that the communication process needs to be improved regarding the needs of each park in the community. She rec}uested each Commissioner familiar with a park report its needs to Moorse and the Commission. McDermott said part of the Park Master Plan was to assign four parks to each Commissioner in order to keep appraised of such needs. Flint said Wilson thought the problem was more imminent in regards to Crystal Bay Park noting the loss of trees and plantings from lack of watering. Wilson suggested that the communications be relayed immediately to Moorse so corrective action can be taken on a timely basis. Gerhardson said the issue of maintenance and equipment also would have to be addressed. The City is short on staff for such undertalcings. Other maintenance needs uTere noted. The need for a schedule of maintenance was shown. Gerhardson said the City relies on the neighbors to inform them af park areas needing attention. McDermott suggested a check list be developed for the City on maintenance of each park. Flint asked that this issue be discussed more thoroughly when Wilson was in attendanee. McDermott noted that the homeowners near Lydiard Beach inquired about the replacement of the buoys and the bench. They were grateful that the loose dock was lacated. Concern was noted on destruction of the beach by the milfoil equipment. Gerhardson said the buoys were purchased and would be replaced in the spring. Gerhardson will also look into the issue of the bench. McDermott reported on a request by trail users that a guard rail section be removed at Old Beach Road to enable people to continue their walk and use of bike and hike carts. The guard rails were installed to discourage motorized vehicles including motorcycles from using Old Beach Road. Gerhardson will look into ihe issue. McMillan asked about the golf tee on hole #4 at the golf course. Gerhardson said he would investigate the matter. 7 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 3, 1996 (#7 - Other Business - Continued) NlcMillan suggested the Commission review possible candidates for Friends of the Park Award. Recommendations were made of the Saga Hill Preservation Society, Boy Scout Jason Christenson, whose photo appears in the Lakeshore News this week, and the "Dirt Diggers" who donated plants for the post office at Crystal Bay Park. Jim Abbott, who donated the shade garden at the golf course, also was suggested. Gerhardson said Abbott asked that no recognition be given. McDermott asked the Park Commission to consider improvements at Antoine Park. Gerhardson said the park would be on the October agenda as the neighborhood group has completed a survey and is ready to make suggestions for the needs at this park. McDermott noted the excellent quality of the playground equipment at a neighboring park in Long Lake. It was reported that the equipment was provided by Steve and Barb King of Landscape Structures. Gerhardson said this particular product was excellent and had good staying power. Flint noted that Landscape Structures equipment had been considered for Bederwood Park but had been rejected by the Bederwood Committee in favor of less costly equipment. ADJOURNMENT White moved, McDermott seconded, to adjourn at 9:22 p.m. Vote: Ayes 5, Nays 0. ti Richard N. Flint, Chair g