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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-04-1999 Park Commission Minutes ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR JANUARY 4, 1999 (#1) ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met on the above mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Andrew McDermott, Commissioners Susan Wilson, Jim White, Van Douglas Erickson; Commissioner Iise arrived at 7:35 p.m., and Commissioners Peter Welles and Irene Silber were absent. Representing Staff were Public Services Director Greg Gappa and Recorder Jackie Young. Chair McDermott called the meeting to order at 7:20 p.m. (#2) APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF DECEMBER 7, 1998 Corrections were made on Pages 4, 5, 6, and 7. White moved, Wilson seconded, to approve the Minutes of the Parks, Open Space and Trails Commission meeting of December 7, 1998. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. MEETING REPORTS (#3) DECEMBER COUNCIL MEETING McDermott attended the December 14, 1998 City Council meeting and reported that the City Council agreed on a park dedication fee for commercial subdivisions that is comparable to the park dedication fee for residential developments. Gappa stated the park dedication fee is calculated on the number of employees. (#4) REVIEW AND UPDATE 3/98 APPOINTED/PHONE/FAX LIST McDermott inquired why the positions have been changed to yearly appointments. Gappa remarked that they have always been yearly appointments but McDermotYs appointment may have been slightly longer due to the fact that City Staff is attempting to have all the positions end at the beginning of the year. (#5) FINAL PARK COMMISSION MEMBERS TO COUNCIL MEETINGS SCHEDULE 1999 -2000 The Parks Commission reviewed the schedule for attendance at the bi-monthly City Council meetings during 1999. Gappa stated he will obtain a copy of the meeting calendar for distribution at the next Parks meeting. (#6) PUBLIC COMMENTS A. NAVARRE AREA RESIDENTS McDermott inquired whether Gappa had heard anything from Rick Meyers about a possible presentation at tonight's meeting. McDermott noted that Meyers has expressed interest in the Page 1 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR JANUARY 4, 1999 (Navarre Area Residents, continued) Parks Commission in previous years and is heavily involved in the Navarre area. McDermott stated approximately 15 people were present at the City Council meeting who were upset with the City about comments that they had heard about the Walgreens project. It was explained to the City Council what the Parks Commission felt the Navarre area needed in the way of recreational facilities and that they had expressed interest in a trail where the old Navarre Lane used to be, which had previously been approved years ago but was subsequently disapproved by the City Councii. McDermott stated the Navarre residents are still interested in that trail and that perhaps the City Councif could readdress that issue. At the present time Walgreens has elected not to go ahead with their development in the Navarre area. Wilson suggested that the trail be incorporated on the City's trail concept plan so when this area is discussed in the future, the trail could be addressed. McDermott commented that not much work has been accomplished in the Navarre area as far as parks except minor clearing of trees, and noted that the City Council seems to be committed to improving the park situation in Navarre. McDermott remarked he will draft a memorandum to the Planning Commission regarding this issue. Wilson remarked the Parks Commission should develop some definite ideas on what the City should do in that area. McDermott stated that a lot of negative comments were made regarding the current situation of the Navarre Park and that improvements need to be made to that park, noting that younger people are moving into the Navarre area and that this situation needs to be addressed. McDermott stated he will contact Rick Meyers to see if the neighborhood residents could be gotten together to discuss what they would like to see for the Navarre area. B. Other Public Comments There were no people in attendance at tonighYs meeting. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS 7. Seven Nations Park Formally Dickey Park A. Comments on Community Meeting McDermott stated the Seven Nations name was introduced and no issues were raised concerning the name, but a formal naming of the park will not occur until the name is reviewed. Wilson commented that more money should be put into plantings rather than blacktop for this park. McDermott stated that in his opinion this project should be completed over a period of years rather than spending the majority of the Parks budget on this one project. McDermott noted that most of the other parks have gravel parking lots, which could be done in this park, and that in his view the story ring could be accomplished at a lower cost. Page 2 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR JANUARY 4, 1999 (Comments on Community Meeting, continued) Ilse remarked that she does not want this project to get dragged out over too many years and that steady progress should be made each year. Wilson suggested the site be cleaned up first. Gappa commented that the parking lot should be one of the first items completed to avoid people parking on the grass. Wilson stated the Parks Commission will need to decide what amount they would like to spend on the park the first year and to develop a list of priorities that should be completed each year. Wilson recommended cleanup be done first, then plantings, parking lot, and trails. Gappa commented that easements will need to be obtained for the trails. Gappa stated the site will need to be surveyed to obtain the correct property lines and then the approximate costs for the grading of the site can be determined. Wilson suggested that the costs be presented to the Parks Commission before this item is addressed by the City Council. McDermott inquired whether the Parks Commission would like to spend approximately $30,000 on the park the first year. Ilse recommended looking at the other parks first to determine what is needed there before an amount is allocated to this park. Gappa stated he will put together some figures for the next Parks meeting. McDermott suggested that evergreen trees be planted to hide the shed and parking lot as much as possible. Wilson noted that one residential neighbor had inquired about what landscaping would be planted in this park, and suggested that the Parks Commission try to accommodate the neighbors as much as possible. Wilson suggested that the City obtain different quotes for the trees since a large quantity is needed. Gappa stated in his view $10,000 will be needed to complete a gravel parking lot with wooden posts. Erickson recommended the trai►s be roughed in when the grading is done. Ilse stated that picnic tables and benches should be included in the early phase and that the Parks Commission should see if the Eagle Scouts would be willing to build the benches. White commented that an ad could be placed in the local paper inquiring whether an Eagle Scout would be interested in constructing picnic tables and/or benches for this park. McDermott inquired whether a recognition plaque should be installed at this park. Wilson stated she will contact the arbovetum about where they have obtained their signs. Wilson recommended that the costs be ready for the February Parks Commission meeting. Page 3 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR JANUARY 4, 1999 (Comments on Community Meeting, continued) McDermott requested that Gappa determine whether an archeaological study is needed for this site before any grading is done. 8. SAGA HILL Gappa stated that he has not obtained a property line survey for this site yet and that perhaps the survey should wait until the spring time. Wilson remarked that Otto Brothers in Buffalo does surveys year-round. Gappa stated he could contact Shardlow or Bonestroo about a survey. McDermott commented that the City Council is stili working with Fairview Covenant Church about possible access to the site. 9. SPRING HILL TRAILS McDermott stated he did inform the City Council that they should retain a large portion of the letter of credit until the trails are completed and accepted. 10. TREE PRESERVATIONNEGETATIVE BUFFERS Wilson commented she has not been actively working on this project. McDermott stated that the City appears to have a tree ordinance already in place for commercial developments and a landscape buffer ordinance, which was brought up at the time the Walgreens project was discussed. Wilson recommended that the City Council be approached about the Parks Commission desire to have the power lines buried whenever possible. 11. COMMUNITY PLAY FIELD/CENTRAL PARK McDermott stated he addressed the City Council concerning the Eisinger property and the concerns that the Parks Commission had regarding possible acquisition of this site by the owners of the Dog House. McDermott advised the Parks Commission that they should continue to pursue acquisition of this property. White inquired whether appraisals for this property have been obtained. McDermott noted that the owners of the Dog House have right of first refusal and that the City Council did not say whether they would pursue condemnation of this site. Gappa remarked that he was not sure how much land the owner of the Dog House was interested in purchasing. McDermott stated it was made clear to the City Council that the Parks Commission will continue to work on this particular piece of property untii the City Council informs them Page 4 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR JANUARY 4, 1999 otherwise. STATUS REPORTS 12. Orono Area Athletic Association Erickson stated that the Orono Area Athletic Association has not met yet and are planning a meeting sometime in January. Gappa remarked that a representative of the Athletic Association was coming in Thursday with their tentative plans and that they would like to be placed on the February Planning Commission agenda. Gappa stated he will obtain a copy of the plan for the next Parks Commission meeting. 13. HIGHWAY 12 MEETING 12/17 McDermott inquired whether anyone from the Parks Commission attended the Highway 12 meeting on December 17th, and was informed that no one had. McDermott stated that Flint advised him that the Parks Commission should check with the DOT regarding issues of remaining land for possible inclusion in the trails plan. McDermott stated he will contact Dianne Goetten to let her know what the Parks Commission would like to see along Highway 12 for possible parks and trails. Erickson requested that someone else from the Parks Commission be appointed to the Highway 12 Committee since he is unable to attend the meetings. Long Lake and Holbrook Park Gappa indicated MnDot will be using what is there and are not interested in moving. McDermott remarked that the Parks Commission is probably out of that interest then. Gappa stated that there still is discussion regarding replacement housing. 14. WINTER RECREATION McDermott inquired whether the winter recreation program has started. Gappa stated now that snow has falten, the City can get started with the winter recreation program. Wilson indicated that she observed a lot of people at the Golf Course sliding in the past week and that this site was a positive aspect of the City's winter recreation program. Wilson recommended that the warming house be open during the holidays. McDermott indicated there was a problem with getting people to staff the warming house. Erickson commented that people do utilize the warming house and inquired whether college students could be utilized to staff the warming house. Page 5 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR JANUARY 4, 1999 Erickson commented that people do utilize the warming house and inquired whether college students could be utilized to staff the warming house. Wilson stated the City should continue to look for people to staff the warming house. NEW BUSINESS 15. 3020 WATERTOWN ROAD Gappa indicated the area is all platted. Gappa stated Outlot B will be used as the access road to Lot 1 and Outlot A has been separated out due to possible purchase by the adjoining property owner to the east. McDermott stated the City Council should be informed about the possibility of losing park land in this area and the City should look at the possibility of setting aside some land in that area for a neighborhood park. Ilse commented that a large number of young children live in that area. McDermott remarked that there is enough population in this area to support a one acre park. Wilson stated the City Council should already be aware of this issue, but that the City cannot act on this issue until the land is for sale. Motion by Wilson, second by White, to accept the park dedication fee for the five acre subdivision at 3020 Watertown. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 16. 325 Willow Drive North Gappa indicated this area will be subdivided into two lots with a large retaining pond for Highway 12 with the land being owned by MnDot. McDermott stated once the land is acquired by MnDot, the site should be looked at to see if it will accommodate a trail. Gappa indicated the area wi�l not meet the two acre zoning requirements. Motion by Wilson, second by White, to accept the park dedication fee for the subdivision at 325 Willow Drive North. 17. French Creek McDermott inquired whether a contract has been obtained to burn this area in the spring. Gappa indicated he has spoken with Prairie Restoration who has indicated they are extremely busy. Gappa commented he is unaware of other companies who do this type of work. Wilson volunteered to speak with Prairie Restoration about obtaining a contract for the spring. Page 6 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR JANUARY 4, 1999 18. DNR Property Classification Wilson indicated she has not worked on this issue. 19. March for Parks Ilse indicated she can check with the other Cities to see if they are interested in participating in this project this year, but is unable to dedicate much of her time to this project. McDermott stated the March for Parks is typically held around the weekend of April 26. Ilse stated she would like to have support from City Staff as well as support from the Parks Commission and the City Council. McDermott suggested the first weekend in May could tentatively be set for the March for Parks. White and Wilson indicated they would be willing to participate in the March for Parks if their schedules allow. Ilse noted cooperation among the various Cities was good last year and a large number of people from the school participated. McDermott stated the members of the Park Commission should let Ilse know if the weekend of May 1 is okay with their schedules and that the Parks Commission will decide in February whether there is enough interest to proceed with the March for Parks this year. 20. City Council 8� Park, Open Space and Trail Commission Objectives for 1999-2000 McDermott stated Mayor Jabbour has indicated what he thought the objectives for the City should be for the years 1999-2000. Jabbour stated the Spring Hill trails should be completed, planning on the Seven Nations Park should continue as well as initial construction, and that the Parks Commission should continue to proceed with work on the Eisinger property. McDermott commented that the City will continue to pursue negotiations with Fairview Covenant Church and that work should begin on improvement to the Navarre area. McDermott indicated that the local residents in that area are concerned that nothing is being done in that area. Wilson commented that the City should develop a goal for that entire area and provide a nice park area in Navarre. McDermott stated the short-term goal is to improve the present park in Navarre, but that the City is pursuing other recreational opportunities in Navarre and is looking at the possibility of purchasing or acquiring two parcels along County Road 15. Gappa commented that the City Council's current position is that neighborhood parks should be included in the overall comprehensive plan. McDermott stated the City Council would also like the Parks Commission to continue to identify areas for trails. Gappa distributed a report on the current Park fund balance, noting that the City took in approximately $61,000 in park dedication fees last year. Page 7 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR JANUARY 4, 1999 ADJOURNMENT Motion by White, second by Ilse, to a �o� n t ting at 9:18 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. -- ��J -�� . � � �- Andrew McDermott,�hair Page 8