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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-06-1998 Park Commission Minutes ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 6, 1998 ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met on the above mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Andrew McDermott, Commissioners Susan Wilson, Sherokee Ilse, and Irene Silber. James White, Van Erickson, and Peter Welles were absent. Representing Staff were Public Service Director Greg Gappa, and Recorder Sherry Frost. Chair McDermott called the meeting to order at 7:20 p.m. (#1) APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MARCH 2, 1998 Corrections were made on pages 2, 3, 5, 6, and 10. McDermott moved, Wilson seconded, to approve the Minutes of the Park Commission meeting of March 2, 1998 as amended. Vote: Ayes 4,Nays 0. (#2) WELCOME NEW COMMISSIONER,IRENE SILBER A. WHAT MAKES IRENE IRENE, ORONO HISTORY, AND HER THOUGHTS ON PARKS Irene Silber was welcomed as the newest Park Commissioner. Silber reported on her background and interest in parks. Gappa will send Silber, along with all of the other Commissioners, a copy of the resolution recently passed by the Council regarding park issues. PUBLIC COMMENTS Joan Valek, who lives on Tonkaview Lane, asked to express her concern with issues in her neighborhood. She and three adjacent landowners feel they have not been considered when decisions have been made regarding her neighborhood. She is concerned that the 9 acre tax forfeit parcel in Saga Hall, originally thought to be passive in nature, has changed from that designation to a park, to an active park. Valek noted problems that have occurred with snowmobilers, picnickers, and other trespassers. She credits much of the problems to an article written in the past by the Saga Hill Preservation Society, which regarded the parcel as an active park. McDermott informed Valek that motor vehicles are not allowed in City Parks. He also indicated that only the 9 acre parcel could be considered for active use in the future. No plans to that effect have been made. 1 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON APRIL 6, 1998 (Public Comments - Continued) Valek said the intention of the park's use was never discussed with the neighbors. She would like to see the City discuss such issues that affect residents with the residents. She would like to see the park area posted in order to keep people off her property. Another concern expressed by Valek is a comment made by the Saga Hill Preservation Society regarding helping the property owners in protecting their land through conservation easements. Valek said she does not need the group's assistance in protecting her property. She is concerned with the government taking over some of her property. Wilson explained what a conservation easement is and that such an easement is an option for the property owners if they so chose. McDermott noted that newspaper articles have given incorrect reports regarding this park. Valek reported that campers have set up tents and have had cookouts on the Morgard property. She wanted to make the Commissioners aware of this problem. Gappa said Staff has discussed surveying the property. Valek said a survey is available from Hennepin County. Valek also noted that during a clean-up day, people were out on her property picking it up. She feels residents are unaware of the park boundary. Valek explained the 10' utility easement which is on her property. The easement runs under the driveway. She was told that the County's intention was to vacate the easement. Valek indicated the adjacent lot is separated by the easement. This lot is substandard in area but is buildable. A sewer stub has been paid for on the lot. McDermott informed Valek that it is not the Commission's intent to consider the easement on her property for access to the park property. Valek noted that runoff from neighboring properties run to their property. It presents a problem and requires rerouting and maintenance for proper flow of water. Valek reiterated her concerns and asked that the Commission consider the adjacent property owners when decisions are made. McDermott said he would speak with the Saga Hill Preservation Society regarding printed material. Valek also noted that the comments received from the property owners would have been different if they had known that the tax forfeit parcel was to be an active park instead of passive parkland. Ilse explained some inaccuracies that have been reported. She noted that it was determined that the majority of the parks were on the east side of the City. Expansion has been considered for the western portion of the City to accommodate people in that area. 2 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON APRIL 6, 1998 (Public Comments - Continued) Valek felt if a ballfield was constructed in the park, the adjacent preserved land will be affected. llse agreed that caution will need to be exercised. Ilse asked what process is used when developing a neighborhood park. McDermott said the area within 1-1/2 miles is informed for resident input. MEETING REPORTS (#3) REPORT ON MARCH CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS - MCDERMOTT AND WHITE - CARPENTER PROPERTY, TREE PRESERVATION McDermott reported on the trail consideration given for the Carpenter property at the Council meeting. He noted the concerns deeply expressed by audience members. He also reported that tree preservation efforts are planned for this subdivision through conservation easements. Gappa said the Council has asked that the entire area within 75' of the lake be totally protected. Allowance will be made for a narrow width of land to gain access to the lake. Wilson noted that past Mayor Callahan had noted that the best method of maintaining a rural look to the City without acquiring land is through protection of vegetation. Gappa said the Council had instructed the City Engineer to review the trail issue. Tom Kellogg came to the conclusion that the trail could be located on either side of the roadway. The developer was willing for the City to take an easement, but the Council did not do so. The Council is not interested in committing to a trail in the area at this time and does not want land on both sides of the road for trails. (#4) REPORT ON SAGA HILL, GRANT APPLICATION - MCDERMOTT AND SILBER- MEETING WITH RESIDENTS AND FUTURE PLANS FOR AREA A meeting attended by members of the Saga Hill Preservation Society, McDermott, Council Member Flint and Mayor Jabbour was held recently. The group was receptive to � the tax parcel becoming an active park. Wilson questioned whether this was representative of the neighborhood. Saga Hill residents did feel it made more sense to have both a passive and active area. Silber reported that an application was made for the DNR Natural and Scenic grant monies. It is unknown what funds will be available. A decision will be made by July. Fund raising is on-going and one sponsor has pledged funds. The grant calls for matching funds. Silber indicated that there is some flexibility in the time frame for both the grant and the purchase agreement. 3 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON APRIL 6, 1998 (#4 - Saga Hill - DNR Grant- Continued) Silber indicated that the Council would like to see an easement created over the church property for access to the park property. McDermott noted that the City would like the current easement of 10' moved to the north and another 10' obtained and allow the parking lot to be used for parking. Another option is for parking on the Sollner property. Silber said the Council's preference is not to bring cars down Garden Lane. A possible trade of land has been discussed for the Hennessey property in order to solve future Garden Lane access problems. (#5) REPORT ON DICKEY PARK MEETING WITH RESIDENTS - ERICKSON AND MCDERMOTT A. NAME PROPOSALS - ILSE B. TRASH STILL A PROBLEM AND DANGEROUS; SITE CLEANUP BY DEVELOPER AND/OR CITY; REMOVE CONCRETE ROOT CELLAR, RAILROAD TIE RETAINING WALL, CONCRETE BLOCKS, RUSTED FENCE AND POST,ABANDONED TELEPHONE POLES, BROKEN AND DEAD TREES. STATUS REPORT - GAPPA McDermott reported that Erickson and he met with neighbors of the West and East Countryside neighborhoods. These residents did not object to a small parking area with kiosks, a trail, and pull around area. The association has not been turned over to the residents and they are attempting to split their association from the Thoroughbred neighborhood. The internal subdivision trails are still unresolved. Wilson noted that there is a City connection to the park from Thoroughbred. McDermott said the easement for a trail should be maintained. Wilson suggested wood chips be placed on the trail as soon as possible to show the establishment of the trails. Ilse agreed. Commissioners questioned who would be developing the park plans. Agreement was reached that the plans should be drawn by an outside consultant. Gappa noted that there was money available in the budget for consulting fees. McDermott will discuss this with Moorse. The subcommittee will follow up regarding the plans. Ilse is pursuing the name far the park. She has a meeting set up with a Native American group to investigate this issue. She felt this should be resolved prior to the plans being made. Wilson agreed that this may make a difference in how the park is planned. She suggested that plants that are important to the Native Americans be planted in the park. Dickey Park is a priority for park development in 1998. 4 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON APRIL 6, 1998 (#5 - Dickey Park - Continued) McDermott noted that the residents would like to see screening placed along the park border. He indicated that the residents did complain about the root cellar, retaining wall, trash, and pipes and poles laying around on the property. Gappa said there was a $15,000 letter of credit available. He will submit a letter to the developer informing him that the property must be cleaned up by June 15 or the funds will be used. McDermott also noted there was rusted fencing along the bike trail as well. (#6) REPORT ON MEETING "WORK SESSION" WITH HENNEPIN COUNTY PARKS - MCDERMOTT; TRAIL CONSTRUCTION AND MANAGEMENT MEETING WITH D. BRYANT; BIG ISLAND APRIL OR MAY VISIT McDermott reported that a meeting was held attended by Council Members Flint and Goetten, Mayor Jabbour, City Administrator Moorse, Hennepin Parks representatives, and himself regarding the cooperative agreement for the bike trail. Hennepin Parks related their philosophy on trails. They would like to see the Dakota Rail developed at some point into a trail system. This was not favored by Goetten. They also would like the trail to go to Noerenberg Park. The restrictions on the park should not affect the trail. Several problems areas were noted on the current trail system. Hennepin Parks will remedy these problems when they construct their park. The agreement was made between the City and County. McDermott said Hennepin Parks would also like to see a tunnel developed under CoRd 6. They will be maintaining the trails and sweeping them soon. Gappa suggested the trails be swept prior to the March for Parks. Wilson noted the importance of maintaining a good working relationship with Hennepin Parks. (#7) REPORT ON HWY 12 BIKE TRAIL - ERICKSON Wilson reported that Erickson made final adjustments to the bike trail map. However, Council Member Flint, questioned whether the map should also include the walking trail along Spring Hill Golf Course. Commissioners agreed. Discussion was also had regarding whether the Commission should work toward supporting the trails requested on the south side of Long Lake. The Council is concerned with the new highway moving forward and does not wish to impede the process due to trails. McDermott indicated that Mayor Jabbour would like the Commission to have an understanding of where the Council is regarding trails and the highway. He would like to see the Commissioners work with the east and west neighborhood committees. McDermott also noted the problem with wetlands along the west side of Hwy 12. McDermott said Jabbour indicated it was too late in the process to include trails along the new highway. 5 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON APRIL 6, 1998 (Hwy 12 Bike Trail - Continued) Commissioners agreed on the need to be moving along the same path as the Council. Wilson said she would like to assist the City of Long Lake regarding the trails but understands that the Council does not wish to disrupt the process. (Agenda item#8 follows item#13.) (#13) BIKE/MARCH FOR PARKS ON APRIL 26 - ILSE A. LEAVE FROM CITY HALL ON SUNDAY BETWEEN 10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M. B. STATUS OF FUND RAISING C. WORK ASSIGNMENTS - MANDATORY FOR ALL COMMISSIONERS; OTHER: MILE MARKERS, FOOD, EMERGENCY SERVICES, POLICE AT HWY 12 INTERSECTION, SHUTTLE SERVICE, PRIZES, CITY HALL, OVERFLOW PARK AT SCHOOL, APPROVAL TO USE LUCE LINE, ETC. Ilse distributed brochures for the march for parks. Funds collected were given to Gappa. Prizes have been received. Pre-registration forms are available with the brochures at sponsoring locations. Wilson asked if the schools were notified. Ilse said this has not happened. It was decided that a letter drafted by Silber would be sent to teachers along with a brochure to allow the students to have the opportunity to participate. Ilse reported that the march will begin at City Hall. Police support will allow bikers and walkers to cross Hwy 12. Volunteers will be sought from the Park Commissions and other service groups and residents. Long Lake will staff the route from Old Crystal Bay to Greenglen. Mound will staff towards Crystal Bay. Orono will staff the route between these two sections. Orono will also be in charge of registration with representation by the other two cities. Volunteers will be required at each intersection. The march will end at the Ox Yoke Inn. Ilse has worked with students at the Lake Minnetonka Environmental School. The students have assisted with determining prizes and needs for the march. Water will be available, along with filled water bottles. The only other beverage must be in cans. Wilson suggested something be offered to the participants at the end of the march. Ilse also indicated that dignitaries will be invited to participate throughout the event. 6 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON APRIL 6, 1998 (#13 - March for Parks - Continued) Ilse said volunteers will be arganized prior to the event and the first set of volunteers will receive an orientation. Their relief volunteers will receive information from those they take over from. Wilson suggested volunteers be in charge of the rotation and monitoring the route. McDermott suggested an official phone number be established through use of a cellular phone for any needs that arise during the event. Silber volunteered to be in charge of registration and assigning designation spots for the volunteers. Ilse explained that the funds raised will be collected prior to the march. She suggested helmets be encouraged by bike riders. Wilson suggested Lili McMillan be asked to take photographs. Ilse reviewed the list of prizes. Welles was appointed to be the trail "manager" and place mile markers along the trail. Commissioners were asked to be available for the entire event. Wilson will not be able to attend. (Ilse left the meeting at this time.) (#8) PARK'S NEWSLETTER FOR ORONO'S SPRING MAILING - WELLES; INFORMATION ON CANOE RACK, ETC. Gappa has organized the park information for the newsletter. (#9) BEACH REGULATION SIGNS, STATUS REPORT ON NEW SIGNS - GAPPA Gappa said the signs have not been done. He was asked to report on them at the May meeting. He will write a mock-up and fax it to McDermott for his review. (#10) FRIENDS OF THE PARK AWARD PICTURES AND NEWSPAPER ARTICLE UPDATE -WILSON Gappa indicated a caption will be added to the picture in the lobby. He will write a press release for submission to the newspaper. Wilson suggested submitting a picture along with the written information. 7 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON APRIL 6, 1998 (#11) ICE RINK STUDY- GAPPA, WELLES, WILSON A. PREPARE REPORT TO BE SENT TO COUNCIL B. COST TO OPERATE RINKS (LABOR), WAYZATA AND WOODHILL COUNTRY CLUBS C. EQUIPMENT REQUIRED, ITEMS THAT ORONO SHOULD PURCHASE. MINIMUM REQUIRED AND HOW DOES THIS COMPARE TO OTHER CITIES. D. COST TO DEVELOP ORONO GOLF COURSE RINK E. SHOULD WE PROCEED WITH GOLF COURSE RINK? The ink rink study will be discussed at the May meeting. Wilson said the general feeling was that the golf course ice rink would be too expensive. (#12) ADOPT A PARK VOLUNTEER A. PREPARE HANDOUT FOR APRIL 25 CITY CLEANUP DAY AND GOODWILL COLLECTION ON MAY 2 B. PREPARE PRESS RELEASE FOR CARE GIVERS A list of parks will be included for insertion into the newsletter and for a handout for distribution at the clean-up day, Goodwill collection day, and the March for Parks. The City will send letters to the volunteers stipulating their park and duties. An invitation will be send to the volunteers for an event to be held at the end of the season to acknowledge their contributions. If volunteers are not received through these efforts, the Commissioners will need to find volunteers for their respective parks. The other two parks with current volunteers are Summit Beach (Tamarack Seniors) and Bederwood (Amelia Kroeger). Wilson suggested other needs requiring volunteers be noted as well, namely, bluebird monitors and waterfall observers. The write-up will be submitted by McDermott to Gappa by April 16. 8 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON APRIL 6, 1998 (#14) ANTOINE PARK CONSTRUCTION STATUS - GAPPA A. PAINT OLD SWING SET, OLD SLIDE, PARKING STALL, SIDEWALK, ACCESSIBLE PLAY EQUIPMENT, ETC. B. DEDICATION/RIBBON CUTTING, SET DATE C. "THE BEAL TREE" - FLOWERING CRABAPPLE? Gappa reported that the handicapped path requires paving, which should occur in May. McDermott suggested PVC culverts be replaced. It was noted that the old swing set has been reused but the slide was removed. Wilson suggested the neighborhood group chair, Karen Hanson, be contacted regarding adopting the park. McDermott indicated that the dedication and ribbon cutting will occur during the Park Tour. McDermott suggested a crabapple tree be planted in dedication to Commissioner Beal's contribution on the Commission. A possible location for the tree was indicated between the swing set and wooded area. Gappa suggested the tree be planted prior to the Park Tour. Ms. Silber's husband, Mr. Ruce, suggested a "Donald Wyman" crabapple be planted as it is known to be disease resistant. Wilson asked Gappa to ensure that plants are watered during the summer months. It was noted that Crystal Bay Park will need to be reseeded and fertilized. (#15) SUMMIT BEACH A. STATUS OF MAINTENANCE WORK- GAPPA B. EXPAND MOWED AREA, RELOCATE BATHROOMS, OTHER IMPROVEMENTS FOR SPRING -WILSON Gappa reported that the driveway was taken out and the ground seeded. Wilson reminded Gappa to relocate the bathroom away from the parking lot. She also reiterated the other maintenance needs for moving the sign to the left of the entry, need for a beach regulation sign, and a larger mowed area, which can be determined at the beginning of the mowing season. The posts and fallen trees have been removed. The mowed area would be a good location for the picnic tables. Wilson was informed that one person is assigned to parks. She suggested the park maintenance be reviewed for the parks with this person. 9 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON APRIL 6, 1998 (#15 Summit Beach- Continued) Discussion on whether a dumpster is necessary. McDermott encouraged the park users to take out of the park what they bring into it. Wilson suggested this be included in the sign information. The dumpster will be moved away from the parking lot to discourage other dumping. (#16) PARK TOUR PARKS TO VISIT OTHER THINGS TO VISIT Gappa suggested a tour of open space parcels and buffer areas. Silber suggested the possibility of touring subdivisions that can be emulated within the City. Gappa noted that septic system sites will determine how a subdivision is developed. Commissioners will develop a list of parcels to tour. The tour will also include the dedication of Antoine Park. (#17) FRENCH CREEK - WILSON DO WE NEED TO BURN IT THIS YEAR? Wilson asked that the park be placed on the list for burning of Prairie Restoration. The burning will need to be done within the next few weeks. Gappa will contact the company. Wilson noted there are many types of ducks in the nature area. She commended Gappa on the outstanding path. Gappa indicated the weir has been removed. Wilson asked that Gappa review the area as the pond has filled up once again and may be plugged with debris. (#18) BEDERWOOD - GAPPA RECYCLING CONTAINERS STATUS REPORT - GAPPA Gappa said he is awaiting information from Amelia Kroeger. McDermott said he has information that he will send to Gappa on recycling containers. 10 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON APRIL 6, 1998 (#19) NEW BUSINESS McDermott reviewed the list for attendance at the Council meetings. He asked that substitutes be found if a Commissioner is unable to attend a particular meeting. Wilson will inform the Council at the next meeting of the plans for Dickey Park, the Park Tour, the March for Parks, and beach regulation signage. McDermott noted a proposed date for a tour of Big Island with Hennepin Parks and City. He said the County has indicated they have no purpose for the large piece of land and scattered lots owned by the County on Big Island. The County also does not have first right of refusal for the Veterans Camp. All Commissioners are invited to attend the tour. Silber was assigned Highwood, Saga Hill, and Antoine Parks. Welles will now have Orono Golf Course, Summit Beach, and Brown Road Trail. Wilson will be absent from the May meeting. ADJOURNMENT McDermott moved, Wilson seconded, to adjourn at 10:11 p.m. Vote: Ayes 3, Nays 0. � � .�y—>� J Andrew M ermott, Chair 11