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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-02-1998 Park Commission Minutes OR4N0 PARK CUMMISSI4N MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 2, 1998 ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met on the above mentioned date with the fotlowing members present: Chair Susan Wilson, Commissioners Sherokee Ilse, Andrew McDermott, James White, Van Erickson, and Peter Welles. Representing Staff were Public Service Director Greg Gappa, City Planner Elizabeth�an Zomeren, Planning Intern Brad Bressler, and Recorder Sherry Frost. Mayor Jabbour and Council Member Goetten were present. Chair Wilson calied the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. (#1) FRIENDS OF THE PARK AWARD AND RECEPTION FOR AIVIELIA KROEGER Susan Wilson introduced Amelia Kroeger as the recipient of the Friends of the Park Award. Kroeger's accomplishments were noted in her efforts in maintaining the area around Stubbs Bay. Kroeger is well known for her recycling efforts. VVilson noted that Kroeger if a fine example for other residents. Mayor Jabbour expressed his appreciatian to Kroeger and presented her with the Friends of the Park Award. He noted that Kroeger has contributed to the quality of life in 4rono. Amelia Kroeger thanked the Commission and Mayor for this honar and noted the many fine places that have been provided for the citizens by the City. She indicated that she has received help from the Little League at Bederwood Park. �short reception followed the presentation. (#2)AMELIA KRUEGER- REMARKS AND SUGGESTIONS The meeting reconvened at 7:28 p.m. Amelia Kroeger presented ideas to the Commission. She reported that at least a third of the tr�sh that accumulates at Bederwood Park is recyclable. Kroeger has contacted E-Z Recyciing, who has agreed to pick-up the recyclables bi-weekly and monitor the contents. Pillsbury Company may provide free 55 gallon plastic drums that co�ld be retrofitted to for this use. Kroeger suggested the drums be labeled and located in the parking lot for easy pick-up and where the heavy traffic is found. Kroeger suggested the park picnic tables be labeled to remind picnickers to take their trash with them. Kroeger reported that more trash receptacies are needed in parks. She suggested they be made with covers that cannot be removed by ra�caons and be emptied more frequently. 1 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION IvIEE�'ING F-t�LG Oiv�I�CI� 2, 1998 (#�� - rnmmPntc an�i Cii�oPctinnc - rnntirniPrll Kroeger said she would promote the adopt-a-park program at the spring clean-up, which Kroeger said is well attended. Kroeger asked that the Police Department be informed of illegal dumping that is occurring. Wilson thanked Kroeger for her good ideas and felt they could be implemented. Wilson indicateci that trash is aiso a problem at Summit F3each. She thought a recycling bin could be tested at one park for its receptivity. Gappa was asked to assist with these ideas. Kroeger said the West Hennepin Recycling Commission has $100 in their budget for such use. Rich Kiemen, President of OBA, felt Kroeger's ideas were excellent. Dick Kroeger suggested a trash can be placed next to the recycling can. Ilse felt a recycling can should be placed by the concession stand. Kroeger responded that there is one at that location and is monitored by the Little League, who raise funds by the aluminum collected. Kroeger said she would also promote the adopt-a-park program in her newspaper column. An adopt-a-park handout will be distributed at the spring clean-up day. Gappa said the trash receptacles are emptied at least twice a week. It was suggested this be done more oi�en. Kroeger asked that a trash receptacle be placed by the tot area as well. (Agenda item #3 follows#8.) {#8) BIKE/MARCH FOR PARKS - APRIL 26 - ILSE Ilse reported having spoken with Tim Szelliga of the Long Lake Park Commission, who was present at the meeting, Peter Meyer of Mound, and Mr. Dennis from Minnetrista. These people expressed interest in participating in the March for Parks. Ilse asked for support from the Park Commission to proceed with the plans for the event. Ilse said she had determined that April 26, Sunday, would be the best date for the event. � MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION 1VICETINii I-��ELD ON NiARCH 2, 1�98 (#R - RikP/Marrh fnr Parkc _ rnntiniiPrll The March for Parks if a national event to raise money for national parks and conservation. Pledge forms, sample press releases, and posters are provided for use. This enables the national name to be located on all the information. The cities that are involved obtain their own sponsors, and the money raised goes to the cities. Ilse said the adopt-a- park program can also be promoted during this event. Ilse reported that the Lake Minnetonka Environmental School had a class meetin�; and determined that they are interested in assisting with the event. Three committees were formed at the school to discuss possible options. One location recommendation was for Baker Park. The other location recommended was the Luce Line beginning by Stubbs Bay. The walkers could walk towards Long Lake and bikers sent riding towards �Iinnetrista. Ait participants wouid meei nack ai ihe Siunbs Bay starting point. Iise said the Park Commissions had recommended the Luce Line due to free parking and the trail running throu�h some of the communities. Ilse introduced Stephanie Leash and Maggie Kelly. The girls indicated that food and water stands could be statianeci at the beginning, middle, and end points of the route. Recruitment for manning the stands has not occurred. Ilse said the time of the event was recommended to run from about 10 a.m. to 2 or 3 p.m_ Ms. Kelly suggested mile markers be used to allow bikers and walkers to pace themselves. She said discussion also occurred regarding the provision of garbage and recycling bins. Ilse indicated that Budget Printing may be able to provide some printed material and McDonald's and Burger King could be asked to provide the juice. Other prize and cash donations will be sought. llse distributed samples of the pledge form. Ilse said the form can list the different cities involved and where the funds raised will be used. She indicated students, who live in both Orono and Mound, felt the funds should be used for short court basketball, volleyball court, or a zip Iine. Ilse cammented thai ine Anioine and Crys#ai Bay neignborhoods asked if they could raise money for their neighborhood park and whether the Park Commission would match the funds raised. Ilse felt the result of the march would be a unification amongst the residents of the cities. Tim Szelliga, Long Lake Park Commissioner, suggested the use of Greenglen Park on the Luce Line as a terminus. Lon�Lake has determined that their funds raised would be used to repair lights at Holbrook Park. Szelliga was asked how far this park was from Bederwood, and he thought it was about a four mile distance. Ilse suggested the possible use of a shuttle for those that are unable to make the trip back to where they started. McDermott thought mobile phones would be helpful in case of emergency. Gappa said the City has radios that could be used. Szelliga thought clean-up crews should be recruited to clean up after the event. � MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSIUN iv��i ilvir ii�i..i� i�iv ivit�ici,ri�, 1 yy25 (#8 - Bike/March for Parks- Continued) Amelia Kroeger said she was willing to contact the St. Paul Neighborhood Energy i,onsonium, who nave neia simiiar evenis, and gain iniarmation on�ow t�ey are run. Welles voiced his support of the event and suggested moving forward on it. Wilson commenteci ti�at sne was deiighteci tnat other communities are interested in being invoiveci as welL Ilse said she appreciated the plannir�g stafFs assistance. Bressler wiil aid Ilse in following up on other cities involvement. Goetten was asked her reaction to this event. Goetten felt the Council would like to be kept updated and suggested Ilse speak with Ran Moorse to include such intormation in the Council packet for presentation at the next Council meeting. Goetten did not anticipate any probiems nui suggestea the Park Commission go through the process. The Park Commission diseussed options for the f�nds raised and whether funds should be matched that are raised. Commissioners felt there could be a problem if the funds were used for neighborhood specific needs and suggested an option be presented that would appeal to the entire city. It was determined that an option woutd be available for providing landscaping, bulbs, and trees for cit_y parks. Mare modest goals will be used for the first year of the event. The other option will be a shvrt court basketbal�, �vhich costs about �5,000.. The Commission determined to set criteria for matching funds. The pledges will be raised anci collected prior to the event and should not be affected by the weather on the day af the event. Van Zomeren questioned the accounting af�he funds raised and how the money will be handled on the date of the event. The pledge forms and registration will t�ave to indicate what city and what option the funds are raised for. Ilse suggested a police of�cer be present at the event. Rich Kiemen suggested an account be set up at a local bank and checks made out to the account. This would allow the funds to be deposited on the day of the event. White suggested the walkers/bikers be given identification srickers. McDermott suggested they be made in a bright color. Erickson moved, White seconded, to recommend the funds raised for the City af Orono parks be used for a short court basketball at Crystal Bay Park and for landscaping for all parks. McDermott questioned whether the optian be kept open for a short court at Antoine. Discussion resulted in presenting an option for one court due to ather requests that may be received if the city matched any fitncling. Vate: Ayes 6, Nays 0. 4 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON MARCH 2, 1998 t#31 $.4,CF.RAt.i,AT RF'.IIF.RW(1(lil _ FRi('KC(lN _ (1RA PRA('TT('F TTMFC Rich Kiemen, president of Orono Baseball, informed the Commission that they use Bederwood Park two nights a week and request one additional night for a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday schedule. Kiemen explained that the temporary usage would be for three years as they are raising funds to build another field. The association needs a field for the intermediate level for 13 year olds, which require 75' bases. They currently use fields at Holbrook and Maple Plain but need another one in Orono. The association is presenting information to the Independence City Council in May regarding building a field in that city. Kiemen said they feel confident that the funds can be raised as a funding source has come forward. They would like to take the younger players from Holbrook and have them play at Bederwood. The field would be used on those nights from about 5:30-8:00 p.m. Kiemen said the use would revert back to the two nights a week once the new field is built. Kiemen noted that a key is needed for entry to the dumpster to continue cleaning up the park. He also indicated that the trash bins need to be emptied more often at both Lee Carlson Field and Bederwood. Corrections have been made to the back stop and a new roof installed on the concession stand. The association is maintaining the inside of the concession stand and cleaning up the �;rounds. They post a crew schedule for such work. Wilson noted the background of the use of Bederwood Park by OBA and the contract that was established between the OBA and neighborhood limiting the use to two nights a week. Welles was informed by Kiemen that there were 650-700 participants in the program. The amount is predicted to be stable this year or slightly down due to the establishment of girls t-ball. A large group of sixth graders will increase the level of participation soon. Kiemen did not believe the intermediate level would fluctuate. This level involves 7 Orono teams and 4 Mound teams for about a total of 100 children. Van Erickson reported that Holbrook Park has a gravel limestone infield that is a universal type enabling play by different levels. Kiemen confirmed for McDermott that the OBA consists of Orono School District � children and Mound Westonka has their own league. McDermott calculated that there were about 56 13-year-olds in the Orono School District who are Orono residents that could benefit from the additional night at Bederwood. Tim Szelliga said the construction of new�-Iighway 12 would result in the loss of one season of play at Holbrook. He extended his support for another field while Holbrook was not available for use. � MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON MARCH 2, 1998 (,�-,`� _ (1RA at RPrlPnu�nrl _(`nntiniiarll Ilse questioned whether the discussion was appropriate with the signed contract that extends until the year 2014. Since this is a legal document, Ilse questioned whether the Council should be the body to review it. Goetten responded that a recommending body can make a recammendation but the decision is up to the Council. Clem Kroll, 60 South Brown Road, said his home is directly east of the park. He reviewed the history behind the use of the park noting a promise was made that established the park as a neighborhood park. Kroll said he is not opposed to cleaning up the area and having children use the park but said an agreement should be upheld. He noted the lack of bathrooms during periods of the year have resulted in problems. Sparrow does not see any reason why this discussion is again being held. He noted that only two of the original neighbors from 1994 when the agreement was made have left the neighborhood. He noted a compromise has already been made allowing the OBA to use the park two nights a week, yet they keep asking for more usage each year. Amelia Kroeger said she is also a neighbor of the park. She had a different perspective on the usage. She felt the OBA should be taken at their word and allow the extra usage as it is a constructive activity for children. Kroeger supported the request for additional usage ofthe park by the OBA. McDermott said he had difficulty with recommending changes in usa�e when the contract was only established in 1994. � Rich Kiemen said the request two years ago for an additional night of use was made by a non-sanctioned person. Kiemen said he respected the contract but felt the use would not distract from the neighborhood use. He did not feel it presented a parking problem either. He feels the use is an intended use for a park. Erickson said he had requested Kiemen to address the Commission. He felt the additional night of use would be temporary. He noted that the Orono School District is unable to commit to another field at this time due to other priorities. He indicated that Bederwood is the only park with dugouts. He questioned why this equipment for the use is there if it is not used for that purpose. Erickson emphasized that the OBA uses the park for only 12 weeks out of the year. White agreed that parks are underutilized today and exist for the use of the people. He said he would approve the request if the contract did not exist but the contract is between the neighborhood and city and does not include the Park Commission and OBA. He suggested the OBA representatives speak with the neighbors about the agreement. White felt the citizens have the right to expect the contract to be upheld. � MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON MARCH Z, 1998 {#3 - �BA at Bederwood -Continued) Ilse agreed that the OBA is a great organization. However, she is concerned about retracting an agreement noting the importance of making our words worth what they say. She emphasized that this would apply to any organization. Ilse indicated she suggested before that the 4BA look to the future needs for fields. She felt the neighbors wou}d be disappointed if the contract was not upheld. Regarding needs changing, Ilse said she would understand that in the future but the contract was only established in 1994. Welles felt 20 years was a}ong time for a contract and saw the need to re-negotiate it. He noted his frustration with the lack of use of Bederwood. Wilson agF-eed that baseball is a great use of the park and not detrimental to the neighborhaod. The problem, however, is with the contract. She felt if the majority af the neighbors remain opposed to the change in usage it should be upheld. She suggested the OBA determine where the neighbors viewpoints lie and advance to the ne�ct step by determining what the majdrity af the neighbors felt. David Leash said he has boys in baseball and beIieves Bederwood is a great place to play ball. He feels discussions about the March for Parks and use ofBederwood is inconsistent if baseball is limited at the park. Leash felt the park should be used in a manner that is best for the community at large. It was clarifi�d that the OBA was to use Bederwood ternporarily while the Lee Carlson Fields were being buiit. �Velles suggested if the matter could be on the Council agenda, the public hearing format wauld allow far peopie to be heard. He said he is unsure what the general feeling is of the neighbors. Kiemen noted that the OBA is a good tenant at Bederwood and cares far tne property. He said a noise concern had been an issue which has turned out to be false. Welles moved, Erickson seconded, to recommend the Council hald a public hearing to modify the terms of the lease to allow OBA to use the facilities three nights a week for a period of time not to exceed three years with the OBA performing nightly clean-up and demonstrating a good faith effort that they are pursuing other alternatives. If this is not upheld, the play would revert back to twQ nights a week. McDermott said the Commission cannot mandate the Council to hold a public hearing. He sug$ested a field be established by Crystal Bay Park. He was inforrtied that there was not adequate room far such use at Erystal Bay Park. 7 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONQ PARK C�MMiS5ION MEETING HELD 4N MARCH 2, 1998 (#3 - 4BA at Bederwood -Continued) Wilson did not believe the Councit would necessari3y want to discuss this topic again at this time. She feit tt�e motion would be counterproductive. Wilson suggested the matter was a neighborhood issue. Erickson asked Goetten whether the Council would cansider the good of the entire City if a petition was braught forward. He noted the neighborhood consisted of only 10-12 homes. Goetten said the Comrnission should not direct the Council towards action. She noted the fervor caused by this issue in the past. Goetten said suggestions can be made to the Council but noted that the agreement is a legai contract and the City Attorney wauld have ta be consulted. Welles amended his motion and Erickson seconded the amended motion to recommend to the Council the use of Bederwood by OBA three nights a week with the following conditions: 1)the usage would be terminated if the alternative was found for meeting the intermediate level standards, 2} if an alternative was not faund, the 4BA was demonstrate efforts to find another field, and 3) nightly clean-up of the park must occur. Goetten noted that t�e Council meeting agendas are published. Wilson supported the motion noting that the neighbors should be co�sulted and the contract possibie amended. Wilson said the OBA has shown themselves to be good neighbors. Ilse said she found supporting the motion difficult knowing the history behind the contract and the original temporary nature af the usage. Baseball was to be played at the school and Lee Carlson Field was developed. The usage at Bederwood then increased to two nights instead of one. She noted cars are alsc� parked down the street and hinders bike traf�ic. Ilse said she is excited by the multiple use of the park that she has seen and additional baseball usage hinders other activities at the park. Ilse said a balance must be found for the park usage. She suggested Saga Hitl and the church area for baseball. Ilse felt people need to know that they can use Bederwood and when it is available. Ilse said she does not support the motion. She noted the contract is only four years old. Ilse said deals made with the OBA have nat heen upheld and finds no comfort level with promises being made. Erickson suggested Gappa provide toile� facilities year-round at Bederwood. Gappa said he would review this matter. He noted the additional use af the area with the Luce Line traffic. Erickson said the parking problem is common noting high Ievels af traffic at other times as well, especially in light of the Luce Line. x MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON MARCH 2, 1998 (#3 - OBA at Bederwood -Continued) Vote: Ayes 3, Erickson, Welles, Wilson; Nays 3, White, Ilse, McDermott. (Agenda item #4 follows #13.) Welles left the meeting at this time. (#13) DISCUSSION ON ICE RINKS - GAPPA Wilson reported having met with Welles, Gappa, the manager of the golf course, and rink managers of Woodhill Country Club and Wayzata Public Works regarding ice rinks. It was found that the excellent ice development at Woodhill and by Wayzata is a result of 8- 10 manhours each day. Due to this expense, Wilson felt other alternatives should be considered. Gappa indicated that the water faucet would be installed regardless of what ice rink decision is made. A security light would probably be installed as well. Commissioners felt the ice arena should be a consideration for open skating. McDermott suggested talking with representatives from Tonka Bay, who are similar in size and need. Wilson said Gappa has additional information that can be discussed with the sub- committee and presented at the April meeting. Gappa said he is learning ways to improve iee conditions. Wilson noted the Commission needs to consider staffing requirements if a warming house is open. Erickson said he was in favor of having one good quality rink. Wilson said Casco rink is heavily used and would be maintained. Gappa noted the high population levels around Casco and Hackberry. Wilson questioned whether a rink at Hackberry would receive much use. Erickson noted that Holbrook rink is being considered for elimination due to the higher usage of the new arena. Ilse said other communities should be consulted to determine open skating at the arena. Erickson agreed that options need to be available as the arena availability is filling up. Erickson noted ice season time is longer in Minnesota. 9 MINUTES OF TNE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON MARCH 2, 1998 l�dl RTC'Y!'I�.F. TR A li.0 _ FTI�A 1. RF,PnRT_ F.RT("KCnN Erickson distributed maps of the bicycle trails and reviewed the final report for any further corrections. Wilson noted that Council Member Flint felt the trail by Shadowood Development should be continued. Welles indicated that the Council determined the best location was on the west side. Ilse said she would like to see the trail system tie into the school property and basefield field. Erickson indicated that the trail plan calls for the trail to continue across Kelley Parkway. Wilson said she would also like to see the separated trail continue along North Brown Road when the Highway 12 change is made. Erickson said he spoke with representatives of Long Lake, who have plans for a new sidewalk only. A double trail is shown for North Brown Road with a Long Lake trail on the east side as their desire is to enable the residents to cross the highway. The report was reviewed. The separated and wide shoulder bike route designations is changed to trails and the heavily used bike route designation remains the same. Under separate bike trail, the eatension of the trail along the new Highway 12 will be on the south side. The County Road 6 trail under wide shoulder bike trails will be from Ferndale to McCulley Road to County Road 19. This trail will provide consistency with trails in Independence and Plymouth. Bressler noted that the Independence trail along County Road 6 will be an 8' paved trail. Wilson said Orono should be consistent. It was nated that the Plymouth trail would be 6'. Gappa said McCauley is a wide shoulder road and can be paved. The South Brown Road 4' wide should entire length of the road from Long Lake border to County Road 51 on both sides. Under heavily used bike routes, the Spring Hill Road from CoRd 6 around Spring Hill golf course and East Lon�Lake Road to Wood Rill and connect to Luce Line Trail. Bressler reported that he has not received any response from Medina regarding what side of the road their trail would be located on. Ilse noted that if MSA funding is to be used for the trail along new Highway 12, it must be included in the plans. McDermott suggested the trail be a separated trail. Ilse agreed. Gappa indicated the plans call for the trail already. ��, MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON MARCH 2, 1998 (#4 - Bicycle Trails - Continued) White asked about trails on CoRd 15. Wilson informed him that bike traffic should not be encouraged on that road. Gappa said there will be paved shoulders on the newly constructed road but no separated trails as it would be dangerous to suggest bikers use CoRd 15. McDermott also noted there were Indian burial mounds found in locations along CoRd 15. Erickson said a kick-off to the bike trails would be planned in the future. The map changes will be verbally discussed with the Council. Under ideas and thoughts, McDermott asked that a stronger statement note tying in separated trails to City parks beyond the shopping center areas along Hwy 12. White agreed and felt a developer could pay for such a trail. Wilson said the central park area could be expanded upon noting its connection with Long Lake. The commercial and residential areas should connect to the school or central area. Wilson also encouraged acquisition of land in this area. McDermott questioned the lack of notation regarding a trail from Old Crystal Bay Road into Dickey Park. Welles and Wilson did not favor this trail. Ilse, Erickson, and McDermott supported such a trail. Erickson said a buffer could be established to screen it. He noted there are no shoulders on Watertown Road, and this trail would enabie people to make a connection to the school. Wilson did not support a separated trail that goes back onto a road. She noted Dickey is a passive park and not a destination point. She felt this would be an expensive project and questioned whether the neighbors would want it. Erickson said the neighbors would prefer the trail over a parking lot. The separated trail from Old Crystal Bay Road into Dickey Park was added. Erickson reviewed the changes on the final map from the previous map. Wilson moved, McDermott seconded, to accept the moderate revision of the bike route plan. Vote: Ayes 5, Nays 0. (#5) CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS OF PARKS - DISCUSSION AND PRIORITIZATION This item was not discussed. (There were no items #6 and 7.) 11 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON MARCH 2, 1998 (#9)ADOPT-A-PARK VOLUNTEER- WILSON Wilson suggested the Park Commissioners work on determining a volunteer for the parks that they represent. Information on adopt-a-park will be distributed at the spring clean-up and at the March for Parks. Wilson felt the volunteers could be invited to the next award ceremony far the Friends of the Park kAward and recognized at that time. There are some parks that will not need a volunteer. Ilse suggested a list be provided to show potential volunteers what parks are available and who the volunteers are for the parks. (#10) NEWSLETTER COPY FR(?M PARK- WELLES Welles had absented himself from the meeting. He will submit all information for the newsletter by mid-March. Gappa will assist Welles. (#11) LUCE LINE REPORT- WILSON Wilson indicated she has spoken with Barbara Bergren and informed her that the Park Commission would like to have representation on the Luce Line Advisory Committee. (#12) CHANGE OF CHAIRMANSHIP OF PARK COMMISSION TO ANDREW MCDERMOTT Wilson introduced Andrew McDermott as the newly appointed Chair of the Park Commission. Wilson was shown appreciation for the work she has accomplished as the Chair during this past year. (#14) NEW BUSINESS Wilson said accomplishments made by the Commission are usually accomplished through the work of an individual member. She asked each Commissioner to consider what their goals are and follow through on accomplishing them. Wilson said she would like to see the Park Commission obtain a budget line item and earmark this as a long range goal. (#15)APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 3, 1998 MEETING Corrections were made on pages 2, 3, 7, and 8. Wilson moved, Ilse seconded, to approve the Minutes of the February 3, 1998 Park Commission Meeting as amended. Vote: Ayes 5, Nays 0. 12 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON MARCH 2, 1998 (#16) PARK REPRESENTATION AT COUNCIL MEETINGS March 9 -McDermott April l 3 - Wilson March 23 - White Apri127 - Ilse ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m. � �l.(,�C�J✓L- Susan Wilson, Chair 13