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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-02-1998 Park Commission Minutes ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR DECEMBER,Z, 1998 (#1) ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met on the above mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Andrew McDermott, Commissioners Jim White, Susan Wilson, Van Douglas Erickson and Irene Silber. Commissioner Peter Welles and Sherokee Isle were absent. Representing Staff were Public Services Director Greg Gappa and Recorder Jamie Gemar. Chair McDermott called the meeting to order at 7:25p.m. (#2) APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 2, 1998 White moved,Wilson seconded,to approve the Minutes of the Parks, Open Space and Trails Commission meeting of November 2, 1998. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. MEETING REPORTS (#3) NOVEMBER CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS McDermott reminded members that they need to attend Council meetings when scheduled. Negotiations with Fairview Church is in process. Going forward with discussions on the Eisinger property discussions. (#4) PROPOSED COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 1999 The Council meeting attendance schedule was approved. (#5) PUBLIC COMMENTS a. Dickey Park Neighborhood Informational Meeting A public informational meeting was held to discuss proposed neighborhood improvements to Dickey Park. Approximately ten-fifteen residents were present. Gappa reported on the Dickey Park donated to the City from the Dickey Subdivision. Wally Case, from DSU Planning Consultants, stated the site is an ancient Indian gathering site some 8,000 to 10,000 years ago. The Native Americans desire a passive use of the site only,no ballfields,etc. A conceptual plan for a picnic shelter,trails,landscaping,connection of bike trail to Old Crystal Bay Road Trail and parking for the northeast corner of the park was proposed. The site needs to be eradicated of buckthorn. A one way access loop, with an entrance and exit on Watertown Road is planned to address sight distance concerns. Page 1 ORONO PARKS,OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR DECEMBER,Z, 1998 PUBLIC COMMENTS CONTINUED Residents were aware of project from previous discussions and were satisfied that the plans were what they envisioned for the park. Screening of existing shed on adjacent property to the east needs to be completed. Residents to the southwest of the park want screening completed as their rear yards are adjacent to the park. Concerns about lighting of park. City is not planning of lighting of park. Some lighting may be warranted in the parking lot area if security concerns arise. Questions on Native American interest in park. Prior to development of the subdivision, there was some Indian use of the park. Now that the area surrounding the park is developed the Native Americans are not very interested in using the park. Their concern is that the area be used for passive recreation with limited disturbance to the park. Snowmobiling in the park has been a concern. This should be reported to the police as snowmobiling is not allowed in City parks. Residents want the park boundary delineated and marked. Residents to the cast on Thoroughbred Lane are concerned at the possible location of a trail to the east connecting to the private road cul-de-sac. Trail easements may need to be adjusted to minimize tree loss drainage problems. City will provide a proposed plan to these residents to discuss at their own neighborhood meeting. Residents do not want a picnic shelter. It would be out of character with low key use of park. Would like to have just picnic tables. Shelters can be a maintenance and vandalism concern. Concerns about fires in park. No open burning or fires are allowed in City parks. Only charcoal grills can be used. Residents want the park cleaned up and tree plantings, screening completed early in the process. Park development will be a staged process completed over several years. b. Navarre Area Resident Public Information Meeting McDermott reported he met with the Navarre area residents on November 28th. The residents discussed their concerns about the maintenance of the municipal parking lot and the Navarre Park and the way the City is handling the development of Page 2 ORONO PARKS,OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR DECEMBER,'�, 1998 PUBLIC COMMENTS CONTINUED Walgreens in their area. McDermott stated the residents in Navarre feel that their needs/interest are not taken into account with the planning for the City of Orono. McDermott talked about possibly closing Lyric Avenue between the Navarre Park and the municipal parking lot to allow the enlargement of the park. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS (#6) SPRING HILL TRAILS Wilson reported that she and Greg Gappa inspected the walking trails. Wilson stated their concerns of the location of the fence in some of the areas. Gappa stated he sent a letter to the Spring Hill Golf discussing concerns of the location of the walking trails along County Road 6. The trail is not yet completed at the end of the west end of Spring Hill Road and across County Road 6. (#7) SAGA HILL McDermott reported the City received a letter from Fairview Covenant Church stating they are interested in discussing negotiating the property issues and the options. Gappa stated the survey for the property line and signs is in the works. (#8) TREE PRESERVATION/VEGETATIVE BUFFERS Wilson had nothing to report. STATUS REPORTS (#9) ORONO AREA ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION Erickson stated the meeting was not well attended and requested to hold any discussions until the January meeting. (#10) AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS Gappa reported the aerial photographs are in and he will have at the next meeting. (#11) HIGHWAY 12, LONG LAKE AND HOLBROOK PARK Gappa stated there is no news to report. Page 3 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR DECEMBER,2, 1998 (#12) WINTER RECREATION Gappa stated the warming house will be opened the first of the year. Once the warming house is opened a notice will be put in the paper stating the days and time of operation. Which will be Saturday and Sunday 2-4 p.m. (#13) COMMUNITY PLAY FIELD/CENTRAL PARK A. EISINGER PROPERTY Gappa reported talking with a few appraisal firms and was advised to have environmental work done prior to the appraisals. White stated he talked with the PCA and received information from some testing that was done awhile back. The reports showed the water was tested and it looks good. B. LEASE SITE OR PURCHASE SITE Gappa stated he talked with Mr. Eisinger and was informed that Eisinger is giving Brian Fulmer the first opportunity to purchase the property. If Fulmer decides he is not interested in the property then at that time the City would have an opportunity. (#14) All COMMISSIONERS Wilson commented that the Mallard nest at French Creek Preserve need to be repaired. Wilson suggested if it was okay with the Commission, she would contact Rick Fredrickson of Woodhill Country Club and see if he would be interested in repairing them. McDermott discussed the DNR letter regarding the Minnesota County Biological Survey of natural biological areas in Orono. The letter identified one vacant parcel on Casco Point Road. NEW BUSINESS None ADJOURNMENT White moved, Wilson seconded, to adjourn the mee�n��t 9:30�:m. � .' . ��,.- , � Andrew Mc ermott, Chair Page 4