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Home My WebLink About09-08-1998 Park Commission Minutes ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 8, 1998 (#1) ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met on the abovc mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Andre�v McDermott, Commissioners Sherokce Ilse, Jim White, Susan Wilson, and Irene Silber. Commissioner Pcter Welles arrived at 7:2� p.m., and Commissioner Van Douglas Erickson arrived at 8:42 p.m. Rcprescnting Staff�vcre Public Services Director Grcg Gappa and Recorder Jackie Young. Chair McDermott called the mccting to order at 7:16 p.m. (#2) APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF AUCUST 3, 1998 Corrections��ere made on Pagcs 2, 3, 4, and � Wilson moved, Silber seconded, to approve the Minutes of the Parks, Open Space and Trails Commission meeting of August 3, 1998, as amended. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. MEETING REPORTS (#3) AUGUST CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS Welles did not attcnd the August 10, l9)8, City Council meeting. White attended the August 24, 1998, Citv Council mceting, and reported that tlle Eisinger property was discussed. Thc City Council felt the Eisinger propert��as an ideal location and the Parks Commission should commcncc planning for thc park. White statcd Hennepi�� Parks �vill fi�lish their section of thc Luce Line trail ii1 tl�e spring. The City Engineer has rcvie�a�ed the plan. McDern�ott notcd somc right-of-wa}� issues nced to be resolved before«-ork can be corr►menced. (#4) ORONO AREA ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION Erickson, Representative for the Orono Area Athletic Association, «�as not present when this item �vas discusscd. Page 1 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 8, 1998 (#5) PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS (#6A) SAGA HILL Silbcr stated she��ould like to hear from an}�body�vho has information concerning access to Saga Hil from Fairview Covenant Churcl�. Gappa stated Mayor labbour and Council Membcr Flint«�ere to meet with mcmbers of the congregation but has not heard whether that has occurrcd as of this time. Silbcr stated the fundraising group has been meeting regularly, noting follow-up letters have been sent to past contributors ��ith somc interest being gencrated for this project. Silber commented that the money hopefiill}� ��°ill bc raised for this project i�� the ncxt ��onth or t�vo, with the ucxt step being acquisition of the land. (#6B) HENNESSEY PROPERTY Si(ber had nothing to report at this time. Wilson inquired�vhat work necds to be done regarding this property. McDcrmott stated the Hcnncsse}�property needs to be accessed off of Garden Lane and the DNR needs to bc approached regarding acquisition of a piece of land off of Walters Trail which would resolve the Gardcn Lane issue. Silbcr statcd shc will be mecting with Ron Moorsc to discuss this issue. (#6C) PROPERTY LINE SURVEY AND SiGNS Gappa stated he has spokcn �vith Bonestroo and�vork��-i11 hopefully commence this fall on the survey. Silber notcd some markcrs have becn placcd on the DNR boundaries. McDermott notcd there��ere a fe�� projects like this that��crc not complctcd and sllould be follo�vcd up on. (#7) WATERTOWN/DICKEY PARK Ilse stated somc mcmbcrs of the Park Commission met��ith Sllardlo«�and tourcd the property. It was pointcd out��herc the entrancc to the park�vould be and that it would not be an active park. Page 2 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 8, 1998 (#7 WATERTOWN/DICKEY PARK, Continued) McDermott stated various landscaping options��-ere discussed and a concept plan will be developed in the near future. Ilse suggested a sign be erectcd noting that this is a historical piece of land for the Native Americans. Gappa stated he has spokcn �vith Ron Moorse about the archeological site«�ho indicated there might be some information available i��thc filcs regardin�thc histon�of this sitc. Ilse remarkcd that some of the tamarack��ood from the barn �vas supposed to have been saved and requcsted Gappa check into�vhetller tllat in fact is thc case. Gappa statcd he has contacted NSP regarding the tclephone poles but has not heard back from them. (#S) ICE RINK STtJDY Gappa statcd hc has not received any commcnts back from the City Council conccrning his memorandum on the icc rinks, but«�ill i��quire about it at thc next City Council meeting. Ilse reported Long Lake Park Commission might still be interested in getting rid of the hockey boards at Holbrook and is willing to�vork �vith Orono on developing a plan for sharing of ice time. Wilson inquircd��hcther Holbrook would bccomc strictlr an ico-skating rink. Ilse stated that«�as probably the direction Holbrook«ould take as most of the hockey is handled indoors. Ilsc su�estcd Gappa talk ��-ith Long Lakc rcgarding thcir icc rinks. Gappa statcd the status of Holbrook is not determincd at this timc, noting the plans have not been approvcd��ct. Silber inquircd�vhether the Parks Commission should continue to�vork�vith Long Lake in an effort to acquire more rink space. Ilsc recommendcd«�orking on the Holbrook project. McDenl�ott requestcd Gappa includc in the fall nc«�sletter infonnation concerning the availability of thc ice rinks at Casco Point and Hackbcrr��. (#9) TREE PRESERVATION/VEGETATIVE BUFFERS Wilson statcd she has been supplied a packet of inforn�ation concerning the regulations the surrounding communitics utilizc in thcir commcrcial trcc prescrvation program which shc has not had an opportunity to revie«�. Wilson rcmarked at the present time tlle subcommittee is looking at establishing guidelines regulating the commercial areas and new dcvclopmcnts in the conununity and is not intcrestcd in putting regulations on privatc residcnts. Wilson stated she��ill ��ork together �vitli the Planning Commission on thc drafting of trec preservation guidelincs. Page 3 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 8, 1998 (#9 TREE PRESERVATIONNEGETATIVE BUFFERS, Continued) White commented he�vill rcquest infornlation on tree preservation policies from someonc he knows. Wilson statcd the City Council is not interested in rcgulating private properties. (#l0) SPRING HILL TRAILS Gappa reportcd Tim Johnson has bccn cicaring trccs along thc Spring Hill Trails, and would like to get togcthcr�vith the subcommittec to��alk the trails in thc next month. Wilson commented shc has drivcn by and has not noticed much improvement. Wellcs statcd old fencing and posts have becn removed along thc new trails, and a new crossing point has been pickcd out located appro�imately 50 yards west of the tunnel. Welles stated concerns �verc raised about thc close proximity of dle golf course to thc road and the possible i�rvasion of privacy. Welles remarkcd those areas arc not as close to the road as originally thought. Wclles statcd hc has also talked to Tim Johnson about sweeping the road as the dcbris from the roadway ends up in the bike lanc. Wclles stated�vhcn the bike race«�as held along that stretch of road, the bicyclists were forccd into the traffic lane, and that stretch of road needs to be improved. McDennott commented the Citv has a requirement that the roads are cleaned on a�veekly or dail_y basis to gct rid of thc debris. Welles suggested the subcommittee set a date to tour Spring Hill. McDermott scheduled a meeting for Tuesdav. September l�th at 8:00 a.m. The subconunittee should meet by East Long Lakc Road and Spring Hill. STATUSREPORTS (#11) BEDERWOOD - RECYCLINC CONTAINERS Gappa had nothing to report. (#l2) BIKE/MARCH FOR PARKS A. LANDSCAPING UPDATE FOR AUGUST/SEPTEMBER PLANTING Ilsc reported the perimeter of the concept plan has been spra_y painted and a tree stump needs to be removed. Gappa suggested Dahlke Trec Service be contacted. Page 4 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 8, 1998 (LANDSCAPING UPDATE FOR AUGUST/SEPTEMBER PLANTING, Continued) Ilse stated she �vas given an estimatc by Stevc of$700.00 to remove the stump. Silbcr suggcsted Chuck Sutherland be contacted to sce if a chcaper estimate could be obtained. Ilse stated they are planning to plant hardy perennials, noting their budget is $150.00 for landscaping. Silber stated the soils need to be improved upon, �vhich is a costly process. Wilson recommended a maintenance schedulc be established beforc anv planting is donc, and questioncd��hether the Parks Commission��as in a position to n�aintain flower beds at this time. McDern�ott statcd it�vas the plan to do somc landscaping in front of the signs. Welles commented if the money is invested in landscaping, they should bc maintained. White suggested the Parks Commission esperimcnt �vith onc site to see how it goes. Welles rcmarked Orono is basically a rural park area and not a flo��er community. Wilson suggested the subcommittee consider planting a tree instead of flo«�ers. Ilse stated she«�as looking at lo�v mainta�ance plants. Wclles questioned whether investment in plants ��ould be a good use of our resources. McDermott suggested obtaining a quotc from Sutherland on improving the soils. Ilse stated she will ��ork on a long-term maintenance schedule. McDern�ott suggcsted the Parks Commission commcnce�vork on Bedenvood if a maintenance schedule is establishcd and to kcep the costs under$>00.00. Gappa remarkcd they should be able to do thc project for under $�00.00. B. CRYSTAL BAY - SHORT COURT BASKETBALL UPDATE Wilson noted she is on the subconui�ittcc for this park and was not consulted on thc location of the short court. Wilson stated a long-term concept plan elists for this park and the short court was installed in thc�vrong location. Gappa statcd he��ent to Crystal Bay�vith Van Erickson and picked the site for the short court. Gappa commented he was not ablc to locate any dra«�ings in his filcs. Wilson stated aestheticall}�the court is in a bad position as far as the overall plan for this park is concerncd. Wilson remarked shc had spoka� ��ith Van before shc lcft on vacation and requested to be contacted bcfore«ork �t�as commenccd on the short court. Gappa reported thc rock is in place but the court has not becn paved yct. Gappa stated he is not aware how much moncy has been spent on the project to date. White suggested the option of moving thc court be e�plorcd. Gappa remarkcd information concerning the parks should be made available at City Hall, noting Van was consultcd in thc decision on the location of the short court beforc any�vork«�as commenced. Page 5 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 8, 1998 (CRYSTAL BAY - SHORT COURT BASKETBALL UPDATE, Continued) McDermott questioncd��hether there��as a safety issue that should be addressed�;�ith the court being close to thc road. Gappa stated a ten foot fcnce will separate the court from the roadway. Silber recommendcd the costs to relocatc the court be obtained and discussed at the next Parks Commission mceting. Gappa stated the��ork should be completed this fall. Gappa estimated it might cost bet�veen $�00.00 and $]000.00 to rclocate the court. Welles moved, Ilse seconded, to relocate the short basketball court in accordance with the concept plan at a cost not to exceed $500.00. NO VOTE TAKEN. McDermott commented thc cost should bc $1.000 or less. Gappa stated the court can still bc movcd if the Parks Commission so chooses. Erickson stated he ��as not a«�are of the concept plan for this park. Welles noted a lot of effort has gone into the master plan for this park. McDermott stated the residents in thc arca also had input into dcvclo�ii��thc �ark, and i�otcd ovcrall park budgct is appro�imatclv $70,000.00. Silber moved, Ilse seconded, to amend the motion to read, relocate the short basketball court in accordance with the concept plan at a cost not to exceed $1,000.00. VOTE: Ayes 7, Nays 0. Ilse inquired �vl�at should happcn if the cost e�cecds $1,000.00. Gappa statcd it should bc undcr$1,000.00. Wilson rccommended the subcommittcc bc contacted before any work is done on any parks in the future. (#13) ANTOINE - INSTALL NEW/REPLACE MISSING PICNIC TABLE Gappa statcd a nc�v picnic table has been ordcred and thc path should be paved soon. (#14) AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS Gappa stated the aerial photographs have been ordcrcd but havc not been received. Page 6 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 8, 1998 (#l5) COMMUNITY PLAY FIELD/CENTRAL PARK A. EISINGER PROPERTY White stated he has reviewed the information available in the file on this property, notiug that the pollutants are minimal and this is an ideal location for a ballfield. Gappa statcd the files on this property date back to 19�8, noting the area was filled with solid waste until 1970. In 197�, demolition material ��as haulcd in and the conditional use pernlit«�as denied. in 1993, 70,000 cubic yards of cican fill «•as hauled in and is currcntly up to the elevation of the high«�ay. McDermott notcd somc minor grading��ill bc nccdcd. Gappa statcd approlimately 10 to 12 acres ��ould be uscable, �vhich should allo��for at least three ballficlds. Erickson stated the City is looking at three ballfields and t��o soccer fields for tl�is site. B. LEASE SITE OR PURCHASE SITE McDermott statcd thc Cit}�has the option of leasing or purchasing the property outright, noting the property cannot be utilized for much else. White stated a financial appraisal should bc done on the land. Whitc noted Eisinger has been contacted and has indicated some interest in selling the property. C. WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP McDermott suggcstcd Shardlo�� be contacted to develop a concept plan for this property. Silber recommcnded putting this item on the next Cit�� Council agenda for discussion. White voluntccred to�vork ��ith Ron Moorsc and City Staff on negotiations for acquisition of this property. Gappa statcd an appraisal�vill be nccdcd evcn if it is leased. Erickson rcconm�cndcd kecping the neighborhood parks and utilizing this site for one major central park. White volunteered to chair the sL�bcom��ittcc for this project. Erickson suggcsted devcloping a list of activities this park could be utilized for. Page 7 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 8, 1998 NEW BUSINESS None ADJOURNMENT White moved, Silber seconded,to adjourn the meeting at 9:08 p.m. � Andre�v McDennott, Chair 1 Page 8