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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-04-1997 Park Commission Minutes ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR AUGUST 4, 1997 ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met on the above date with the following members present: Chair Susan Wilson, Commissioners Van Erickson, Peter Welles, James White and Andrew McDermott. Commissioners Sherokee Ilse and David Beal were absent. The following represented City staff: City Planner/Zoning Administrator Elizabeth Van Zomeren,Director of Public Services Greg Gappa and Recorder Carole Haseman. The meeting was called to order by Chair Wilson at 7:23 p.m. Chair Wilson requested that all Commissioners notify Greg Gappa when they are unable to attend Park Commission meetings so it can be determined if a quorum will be present. A reminder will be noted on the agenda. (#1) APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JULY 7, 1997 Erickson noted a correction on Page 8 in the first paragraph. The year 1988 should read 1998. Welles moved, McDermott seconded, to approve the Minutes of the Park Commission Meeting of July 7, 1997 as corrected. Vote: Ayes 4, Nays 0. Gappa introduced Brad Bressler,the planning intern, from Mankato State who is presently working for the City of Orono. (#2) PARK MAINTENANCE/PLANNING Wilson asked members to give a list of capital improvements to McDermott who will add it to the capital improvement inventory list for each park. Antoine - Gappa said the playground equipment is in the warehouse and work will begin next week. The buildings will be taken down first before the contractor places the equipment and work should be completed by the end of the month. Van Zomeren suggested a grand opening be scheduled in September. McDermott suggested lowering the perimeter posts to a uniform maximum height of 2-3'. He explained the purpose of the posts are meant to keep cars from driving into the park. Gappa stated he would have the posts fixed. Crystal Bay - Gappa explained they are waiting for the contractor to finish putting black dirt over the clay before seeding the area. Erickson said the installation of a sprinkler system had been suggested in the past. Gappa said more faucets could be installed. After some discussion, Gappa was asked to investigate the cost of installing a sprinkler system using the same contractor who will be installing a system at the Orono Golf Course. Figures will be presented to Council at the August 25th meeting. 1 ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR AUGUST 4, 1997 McDermott moved, Erickson seconded, to proceed with a recommendation for a sprinkler system at Crystal Bay Park which is o�vned by the City of Orono not to exceed$5,000. Vote: Ayes 4,Nays 0. Erickson reported the neighborhood had indicated to him they preferred a skating rink for the area. Wilson explained the first phase of development was construction of a playground and an ice skating rink was planned for the second phase. Gappa said because of the limited water supply, flooding could be difficult. He will check on water pressure. Bederwood- Gappa said work had been done to the roof of the concession stand building. Erickson mentioned trash was a problem in the park as the City dumpster had been kept locked. He suggested that a key to the dumpster be given to the Baseball Association for the season with a trash pick up scheduled for Mondays. Wilson mentioned the possibility of short court basketball for the park. McDermott said it would be added to the capital improvement list. Hackberry-McDermott reported either the bench or back stop needed to be moved because of health and safety issues. Gappa felt it would be better to move the back stop. McDermott questioned the depth of the field for T-ball. Erickson suggested adding on a corner to each side of fence. Wilson recommended that Erickson work with Gappa to determine what could be done. Dickey-Gappa said the entrance had been trimmed which opened up the space. Erickson suggested installing natural benches and signage. McDermott felt the name of the park was not appropriate for the site. Erickson has an interest in the park as he lives in the neighborhood and would be willing to get involved. McDermott said the interior trail issue has not been resolved. Navarre - Gappa said the area has been cleaned up. McDermott recommended stalcing the property. Further improvements could be done to the area such as leaf removal, removal of the rusted fence, addition of top soil, relocate the picnic table to a level area closer to County Road 19, install a park and rules sign, and separate the trash cans. Also the fireplace is a hazard and should be removed. Overall it is a pleasant park. French Creek- Wilson suggested contacting Ron Bowen for information if the sweet clover should be cut and whether it should be burned in the fall or spring. There are a number of flowers but the grass is slow growing. Mowing needs to be done for better observation of migratory birds. McDermott felt the kiosk sign needs improvement. Wilson volunteered to work on changing the kiosk and felt the girl scouts might be interested in volunteering their time. Highwood - Gappa indicated it would be better to do trail maintenance work in the fall. 2 ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR AUGUST 4, 1997 Tower Park- McDermott suggested placing chips around the trees, pruning and trimming of trees, and general maintenance to the park. The bird bath should be moved to the center of the park and a sign should be added. With proper attention, the park would be very pleasant. (#3) FINANCE REPORT Gappa distributed the 1997 Park Fund Operating Statement Through July, 1997. Additional park dedication fees will be received from the Fullerton subdivision. Wilson suggested moving to Item #4 for discussion of Fullerton at this time. (#4) REPORT ON PARK DEDICATION Van Zomeren reported an agreement has been reached whereby Mr. Fullerton will pay park dedication fees in the amount of$10,250 per lot for two lots or a total of$20,500. Gappa suggested that in the future a ceiling price be established. McDermott stated if a precedent is set for a cap, qualifiers need to be determined. (#3) FINANCE REPOR'T - CONTINUED An overview of park funds was discussed. Wilson reported she attended a recent meeting with Doug Bryant of Hennepin County and Mayor Jabbour. There is a possibility that funding might be available from Hennepin County for future development of the bike trail. Doug Bryant will be in contact with the City when more information is available. Gappa pointed out that approximately $30,000 will be spent for Antoine park improvements and approximately $50,000 will be needed to finish the bike trail contract. Wilson projected there would be an ending balance of approximately $40,000 in the park fund. (#4) REPORT ON PARK DEDICATION- CONTINUED Van Zomeren reported on two subdivision applications which are scheduled for the August 18th Planning Commission. The Wolf property at 900 Willow Drive North is a subdivision proposal which would create a back lot. It is her understanding the selling price is approximately $175,000 but no determination has been made by the City Assessor far park dedication fees. The other subdivision involves the Whitehead property on Lyman Avenue which proposes three new two acre lots. The property is adjacent to the Luce Line. After discussion by the Park Commission, Wilson recommended accepting park dedication fees for both subdivisions. Van Zomeren noted that four subdivisions are pending - Wolf, Whitehead, Brook Park Realty and Jim Waters. Wilson pointed out the Waters application is a land situation in the Saga Hill area. 3 ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR AUGUST 4, 1997 (#5) APPOINT PARK REPRESENTATIVE FOR HIGHWAY 12 PLANNING Erickson volunteered to represent the Park Commission at future meetings involving Highway 12. (#6) OPEN SPACE PLAN Wilson noted review of the Park Open Space Plan needed to be done and recommendations made to CounciL In 1994 Gaffron developed a map identifying parcels that were 10 acres or larger. Wilson and McDermott had previously reviewed the map and developed a list of obvious areas. McDermott read an excerpt from the "Comprehensive Park and Open Space Trail Plan" Section V: Goals and Objectives which defines background for setting criteria in regard to open space. Welles suggested changing the name of the Park Commission to Orono Parks & Open Space Commission. This would be more reflective of the type of work handled by the Commission. Welles moved, White seconded, to change the name of the Park Commission to Orono Parks & Open Space Commission. Vote: Ayes 4,Nays 0. This recommendation will be brought before the Council at their August 25th nieeting. In looking at the map, Wilson asked Commissioners to keep in mind the large public areas such as Baker Park, Noerenberg, Luce Line, golf courses, etc. which offer amenities to Orono residents. Some of the areas are not actually located in Orono. McDermott did an overview of the map locating parcels in the northwest,northeast and south sections of the City. Wilson suggested looking for a location for a possible community park in the northeast section of Orono. Erickson noted there might be an opportunity to obtain land for paths, etc. in connection with the proposed development of Highway 12 access areas. McDermott said Orono needs to express an interest to Mn/DOT. He has found Mn/DOT is usually willing to work with communities. White volunteered to check into the ownership of a wooded area west of the Casco area. McDermott pointed out 20+acres across from the French Creek area. Wilson asked Erickson to bring Highway 12 information to the next Park Commission meeting. Members were asked to bring their ideas regarding open space planning to the next park meeting. A preliminary recommendation will be presented to Council in the near future. Wilson indicated a work session between Council and Park some time this fall would be appropriate. 4 ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR AUGUST 4, 1997 (#7) BIKE TRAIL REVIEW The bike trail will be reviewed at the September 2, 1997 Park Commission meeting. (#8) NEW BUSINESS Wilson assigned Park Commission members to attend upcoming Council meetings: August 11 - Welles; August 25 - McDermott; September 8 - Sherokee; September 22 - Erickson; October 13 - Welles; and October 27 - White. ADJOURNMENT Wilson adjourned the meeting at 9:50 p.m. , � �1 < 1 ; ) /�; ., �; , , ,, , , . ,._ � {-�-� Susan Wilson, Chair 5