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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-02-1997 Park Commission Minutes OR4N� PARK COMMISSION MEETII'ti1G MINUTES FOR JUNE 2, 1997 , ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met on the above mentioned date with the fallowing members present: Chair Susan Wilson, Commissioners Sherokee Ilse, Andrew McDermott, James White, David Bea1, Van Erickson, and Peter Welles. Mayor Jabbour and Council Member Flint were in attendance as well as Planning Commissianer Lili McMillan. Representing Staff were Public Service Director Greg Gappa, Assistant Planning and Zoning Administrator Michael Gaffron, City Planner Elizabeth Van Zommeren, and Recorder Sherry Frost. Chair Wilson called the meeting to order at 8:45 p.m. fallawing the Park Tour. (Agenda item#1 precedes Agenda Item#4.) (#2)REVIEW SKETCH PLANS FOIt SAGA HILL SUBDIVISION Jim Waters was present representing LGA Investment Graup. Gaffron reviewed the sketch plans for twa subdivisions on Saga Hill. t�ne subdivision consists ofthe 7 acre Soskin property and the 1-1/2 acre Sollner property in the one acre zoning district within the MUSA boundary. The second subdivisipn containing about 28 acres includes the Van Sloun and Morgart properties in the 2-acre zoning outside the MIJSA and the Sollner property in the one area zoning within the M[JSA The Planning Cammission reviewed the sketch plans at their 1VIay meeting. The seven lot subdivisian in Application#2239 proposes two lots with a cul-de-sac off af Garden Lane with another cul-de-sac to the east for four other lots. The Planning Commission supported this plan. A problem wouid occur in that Garden Lane would need ta be continued to provide access to the park property, and it wauld not make sense to have a cul-de-sac. Several options had been presented. Gaffron noted that the City needs to provide access to the Hennessey property to the north. Tlus access would be dif�icult from both Garden Lane and fram the north. There is a large ravine to the north af Lot 2 as well as on the south end. Drainage easements would be required. Gaffron indicated that there may not be 71ots in this subdivision as 1/2 acre of dry contiguous land is required on the side of the ravine. The Park Cammission was asked ta consider whether Park Dedication would be in the form of land or fee. 1 MINUTES OF THE REGt1LAR�RQNO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON JCTNE 2, 1947 (#2 - Saga Hiil Subdivision Sketch Plan Review -Continued) Application#2240 is for a 28 acre subdivision to the north of Saga Hill and meanders in and out ofthe MUSA houndary. The property is lacated within both the RR-1B (nan- M[JSA) and LR-1B (ML1SA}zoning districts. The applicant proposes a cul-de-sac to the right of the lats branching off to the west and then down to the southern boundary of the properties to provide access from the south. This would result, however, in a long cul-de- sac. The Planning Cammission tabled this application for further review and possible clustering shawn in a new layout. Due to the topography of the land, Gaffron said the properties would require sewering. This would require a change ta the MUSA boundary. The lots would abut the proposed parking area for the park land to the south. The Park Commissian was asked to consider whether Park Dedication should be in the form af land or fee. Gaffron indicated that the proposed plans may change. He explained the different optians for access. Jim Waters said he would support the Staff proposal for the roadway to serve the park parcets. He noted the problem whether the properties could be sewered and the dedicated access. He noted Garden Lane could be extended to Highview or be moved separating the two park parcels and sewering the parcels to the north. Waters said another solutiQn would be clustering of the homes and dedicating the higher topography land for park. Issues involved would again be zoning and sewering. He felt the options are gossible from a design and engineering standpoint. He would continue review with Staff and consider different agproaches. Waters asked for a sense of direction from the Park Commission regarding Park Dedication. There were no public comments at this time. Wilson asked for Park Commission camments. McDermott said the Park Dedication af land ar fee would depend on the plans themselves. If the plans are as proposed, McDermott said he would like the road to access the park property or pravide a walking path. If Garden Lane were to separate the park parcels, McDermott said he preferred the fee taken. Welles asked if the applicant was satisfied with the Stafl's groposal. Waters said he found the proposed solutions reasanable. Gaffron indicated that the City would not be interested in vacating Garden lane as access to the park land is required. He noted it was questionable whether access could be provided to the Hennessey property from Garden Lane. Wilsan asked if there were any other possibilities for access to the Hennessey property. Gat�ron said there were not any other possibilities as access from the north is practically impossible due to the topography of the land. 2 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON JUNE 2, 1997 (#2 - Saga Hill Suhdivision Sketch Plan Review- Continued) McDermott noted that the cul-de-sac next to the park property would provide for vehicle access to the park property. He asked that this be provided or a 10'walking easement from the cul-de-sac to the park. He noted it was a planning issue regarding the back of houses facing the park land. McDermott indicated the topography was steep and treed along the property to Highview. He said he would prefer a fee taken here. Gaffron said the applicant does not propose access from Highview and must meet zoning requirements far the subdivision. McDermott said he would object to the park property being bisected by the access. Ilse asked about the consideration of adding park land. Irene Silber of the Sa�a Hill Preservation Society said application was made for the D1VR grant but questioned whether it was possible with a purchase option having been made on the Sollner-Webb property. White noted that access and plans for the northern subdivision posed problems. He said Met Council appraval would be required and chan�es made to the comprehensive plan and MUSA. He also indicated there would be drainage problems. He said park fees would be the best option. White was not satisfied with either subdivision propasal. Jim W aters said he had other ideas to present to Staff. While there are issues needing resolution, Waters did not feel the problems were insurmountable. Wilson asked that clustering be considered to enable the steep slopes to the north to remain open. Waters said this may be possible but lot sizes may have ta be reduced from the 1 and 2 acre zoning. He said his objective is to create a feel of two-acre zoning with 240'width lots. Waters said he would make use of walk-out floor plans and homes on only one side of the road to gain the look of low density. He said the option of clustering would be similar to the housing found to the east af the proposed subdivisions and would allow for more open spaces. Waters thaught the Met Council would look favorably upon c2ustering. I-ie said an association would be useti under this scenario for light maintenance. Wilson stated that park access was vital. She did not want to see the park properties bisected. Beal asked if the developer had considered trails wandering through the subdivisions to the park land. Waters said if clustering with use of an association was planned, he would provide buffered comman areas with a trai) in the developrnent to davetail with the park. Waters said he will wark with Staff regarding park plans. Wilson indicated that trails within the subdivisic,n would provide a nice amenity. 3 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON JUNE 2, 1997 (#2 - Saga Hill Subdivision Sketch Plan Revievy - Continued) Welles asked if the developer had plans for clusteriag ta the northeast. Waters said the plans are only preliminary and would require sta$'feedback. McDermott noted it would also require zoning variances. Waters thought there could be large lots with septic but thought clustering showed promise. Beal asked the develaper to describe the vegetation. Waters said the site was beautiful with many trees. He said he would attempt to save as many trees as possible and use builders that are sensitive to this issue. Builders have not been selected. Wilsan informed Waters that the City is currently working on a tree preservation palicy. Irene Silber said their group has done a tree survey on the praperty. It inciudes a remnant of a large maple-basswood forest. She thought the construction would require cutting of many trees, some of which axe 150 years old. Lee Frelich of the University of Minnesota performed the survey. Silver said the trees become scru6bier to the south. Jim Stephanson noted that there were many poplar and maple trees on the northern portion of Saga Hill. Silver said there are also sugar maples. Kathleen Kasper said an ornithologist reviewed the property and found rare species of birds due to the trees on Saga Hill. She asked that the developer perform an impact study. I�asper is concerned with run-off and erosion. She indicated that Farest Lake is fragile and asked that this issue be considered. Kasper said she has a vested interest in seeing the virgin area being preserved. Kasper was informed by Waters that he does not reside in 4rono. Kasper said she prefers the rustic appeal of Saga Hitl and would not want to see alot of trails. Ilse said she did not want the park properties bisected with a road. She did state access was necessary and parking provided for use by the community. Wilson said she cared about providing access and did not want the park land bisected. She asked the developer to be sensitive to the land and retaining its integrity. Welles said he agreed with Wilson regarding the passibility of clustering. Ilse said the Park Commission did not have a consensus at this time regarding Park Dedication for land or fee. V�ilson said it would depend on the plan. 4 MINUTES OF 'THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON JUNE 2, 1997 (#2 - Saga Hill Subdivision Sketch Plan Revie�v - Continued) Gaffi'on indicated that the Plannin� Commission would revisit the northern plan at their May meeting. The sketch plans would be reviewed by the Park Commission again at their 7uly meeting. A meeting was scheduled far b:04 on July 7 for the Park Commission to review Park Dedication on site prior to the regular Park Commission meeting. Lili McMillan suggested the Planning Commissioners also meet on site. (#3) QLD BUSINESS Fiint asked to review the trail as approved hy the Cauncil and discuss the trail agreement made the Spring Hill Golf Club. Discussion will be on-going with the club regarding the trail and its location. Flint referenced portions af the agreement. He noted that the easement would extend 10' along the periphery of the golf club property. The City may develop the trail within 10' of the easement. Scenic trails would be provided off-road for walking and cross country skiing. The trail would be constructed by the developer. The character of the trail would provide far the use by pedestrians and cross country skiers only with a 4' clearing and wood chip base. The trail along Tamarack north of the wetland will be subject to future design with construetion of the course. The developer will contribute $20,000 towards trails in the vicinity of the golf club. Staff will assist with design and layout and be responsible for providing permits. Flint noted that the developer is replacing more wetlands than losing resulting in wetland credits. Twa-thirds af the wettand credit excess will be given to the Ciry for their use. Rustic fencing will be provided between the trail and golf caurse where plantings and berming do not provide any buffer. The golf club will continue with upkeep of these areas. The trail will not be constructed until the grading of the course is completed. Gaffran projected the tune frame of Spring, 1499. The restriction with use of wood chips only relates to trails off of the right-of-way and does not restrict the ather City trails on the right-of-way. Flint said the precise expansion of the right-af-way far the trails will depend on the topography. This will result in possible less than 10' or more than 10'. Any modification to the 1�' easement would require mutual agreement of the City and developer. Flint noted that the trail plans will require much negotiation, goodwill, and communication. The agreement daes nat include any provision for a boardwalk. Flint said this was a sensitive issue. The developer did not want a boardwalk extending farther than 50' from East Old Long Lake Road. City determined that the provision would not he included in the agreement as the Paxk Commission had originally suggested a boardwalk e�ending 200'yards at its proposed location. 5 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD OI�I JUNE 2, 1997 • (#3 - Old Business - Continued) Flint said the rough grading plans would be provided and then detail would follow atong with trail plans. He indicated that Tim Johnson would work with the City regarding detail. Hunter and Morrison would assist with policy making. Wilson asked Gaffron ta track the progression of the galf club and trail plan and keep the Commission updated. Gaffron said the plans will become more obvious as the development progresses. �Vilson asked if the developers agreement will relate to the trail. Gaffron said it would not. The developers agreement only references the trail agreement and resolution but noted that the trail agreement is in itsetf a developers agreement. McDermott asked if there was a trail section included below the maintenance facility. He was infortned that the option was still apen. Flint indicated the trail north of the wetlands will probably be a bike trail. He noted there is an option for another 10'. Gaf�i-on nated that the developers agreement would include a number of conditions including the number of improvements to be completed by the developer, trail completion, cost amount for the trail which has not yet been determined, and a performance hand or letter of credit. Gaffron said the City Engineer would review the agreement to ensure the public improvements will be done correctly. He indicated that the projected grading casts are $4 million dollars. Flint noted that the developer will contribute up to $20,000 in addition to the trail construction. This is due to the change in pl�ns fram the ori,ginal proposal for building a boardwalk. Welles thanked Flint for his tenacity in reaching the agreement with the developer. (#1)APPRQVAL OF MINUTES OF MAY 5, 1997 Council Member Flint's attendance at the meeting was noted. First page, 2nd paragraph, third sentence, changed to, "A capy of the park survey will be distributed to these new members......namely the rural...." Page 2, secand paragraph under Spring Hill, last twa sentences changed to, "the two DNR scientific and nature areas. Additional park land must be acquired between Tamarack Road and Wolsfeld to make this connect.ion occur. A subdivision in Medina may occur in the near future." 6 MINUTES OF THE REGUL.AR ORONO PARK COIvIIvIISSI4N MEETING HELD ON JLTNE 2, 1997 (#1 -Minutes - Cantinued) Page 3, last sentence in paragraph three was maved as a separate paragraph precedin�the general description of the walking trail. The last para�;raph on page 3 was changed. "A general description of the walking trail is as follows: The trail would run along Spring Hill Road on the south side of the golf course and north of the wetland area. The tee is located significantly higher at this point. The trail would come back out to the road and after the first driveway, turn back in. The trail would hug the northeast side of the fence along Spring Hill road to the break in the hilt in the southwest corner of the course and wind through the pines. The Commission then presented two options for the north parcel. One option would have the trail run across CoRd 6 near the tunnel to the east of the maintenance facility and north of Tamarack Road on the west side of the golf course meandering in and out. There is some concern with the low wetlands and separation between the trail and the course. The second option for an easterly path would wind along the woods and near the low area of the wetlands along the residential area and then turn to the west to cannect back to the northwestern boundary of the property at Tamarack Raad." Page 5, second ta last paragraph, Wilson suggested the buckthorn in French Creek Preserve should be cut aut. Beal moved, Ilse seconded, to approve the Minutes of the Park Commission Meeting of May 5, 1997 as amended. Vote: Ayes 7,Nays �. (#4)NEW BLSINESS Wilson reported that Mayar Jabbaur has requested the tree preservation palicy be referred to the Planning Commission for their review as soon as possible. Van Zomeren suggested setting a date for the sub-committee to meet. She noted mailing information to committee members regarding the issue. Ilse asked that the information be passed on to the Planning Commissioners as well. Wilson suggested the Park Comrnission present some principal guidelines and send the issue to the Planning Commission. A sub-committee (Wilson, Ilse, Beal, IVicDermott, White) meeting was set for Thursday, June 19, at 7:30 a.m. The Park Commission wili review the issue at their July meeting for final submission to the Planning Commission. Wilson noted that talks will be reinitiated with Doug Bryant of Hennepin Parks regarding the County's contribution towards the bike trail. Wilson, White and Erickson will meet to further discuss this issue. � MINUTES OF TI�REGULAR ORONO PARK CQMIvIISSION MEETING HELD ON JUNE 2, 199� (#4 -New Business - Continued) Gappa informed McDermott that the bike trail between the industrial area along Old Crystai Bay Road to the Gity Offices will have some areas of curb and gutter. Welles will attend the June 9 Council meeting. Ilse will attend the A.ugust 11 Council meeting. Beal brought attention to a recent edition of the Pioneer Newspaper regarding Park Commission activity. ADJOURNMENT Wilson adjourned the meeting at 10:02 p�m. n � i , � �✓(, Susan Wilson, Chair s