Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-01-1999 Park Commission Minutes ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 1, 1999 (#1) ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met on the above mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Andrew McDermott, Commissioners Susan Wilson, Irene Silber. Commissioner Ilse arrived at 8:08 p.m. Commissioners Peter Welles, Jim White, and Van Douglas Erickson were absent. Representing Staff were Public Services Director Greg Gappa and Recorder Jackie Young. Chair McDermott called the meeting to order at 7:22 p.m. (#10) NEW BUSINESS DNR Property Classification Wilson stated the DNR is taking steps to protect the least darter, which is a pug-nosed shiner, at the Casco Point property. (#12) DAKOTA RAIL TO TRAIL Proposed March meeting with Mayors and Hennepin County Gappa stated he has not heard any information from the City Administrator regarding the meeting in March. McDermott requested Gappa discuss this issue with Ron Moorse. Wilson commented she would be willing to volunteer for this committee. Silber noted she volunteered to serve on the committee. McDermott remarked Wilson's name can be put on a list for this project, but the City is attempting to keep the committee small. Wilson stated she would be willing to provide a number for Minnesota Park and Trails, which is an organization that helps raise funds for parks and trails. ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 1, 1999 (#13) BEDERWOOD What is the status of the recycling containers? Gappa stated the recycling containers are in and a recycling company needs to be contacted to arrange for pickup. OTHERISSUES Spring Hill Trails. Wilson stated a portion of the trail has been completed, but the fence is presently on the right-of-way. Gappa stated the fence will need to be moved. Gappa commented a letter has been sent to the developer regarding the items in question, and that the City still holds a letter of credit on this project. Wilson suggested that trail access be considered off of County Road 6 once that road is improved rather than going down Tamarack. Wilson commented if access is gained off of Tamarack, a wide shoulder should be constructed due to the high volume of traffic. STATUS REPORTS: (#8) Orono Area Athletic Association This item was not discussed. (#9) HIGHWAY 12 PROPOSAL City Council Public Hearing April 8. McDermott stated the Parks Commission is looking for opportunities to develop trails or to obtain small parcels of land along Highway 12 now that the boundaries have been established. The City Council suggested that McDermott meet with the Highway 12 Design and Review Committee to discuss this issue. McDermott noted that Orono's trails stop at Long Lake and that some thought should be given to extending and connecting the trails into Long Lake. McDermott remarked that the Parks Commission will probably have to pick up the costs for any improvements to these areas. NEW BUSINESS: Page 2 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 1, 1999 (#14) Friends of Orono's Parks Award Recognize Adopt-a-Park Volunteers Monday, April 26 Council Meeting. McDermott stated the City Council has elected not to award a Friends of the Park award this year, but the Adopt-a-Park volunteers will be recognized at the April 26 City Council meeting with a reception being held in their honor. Silber commented that the Friends of Orono's Park award encourages people to volunteer at the local parks. McDermott stated a reception will be held at 6:30 on April 26, with certificates being awarded to the volunteers during the City Council meeting. Wilson remarked that the Parks Commission might want to limit signage at some of the parks and not erect signs recognizing the volunteers each year. (#11) March for Parks McDermott stated that Ilse is willing to help out on this committee and that Long Lake and Mound are interested in participating in this year's March for Parks. McDermott noted that May 1 has been set as the date for the event and that Ilse will be attending the next City Council meeting to discuss this project. Silber inquired whether Rick Meyers has been contacted to serve on this committee. McDermott stated that Meyers is willing to participate on the committee. (#16) Neighborhood Meeting/Comp Plan McDermott noted that Mayor Jabbour is holding informal meetings every Saturday in March at various locations throughout the City in an effort to meet with the local residents regarding issues relating to neighborhood parks and the City's comprehensive plan. Silber stated she will be able to attend the March 27 meeting. McDermott stated he will contact the other members of the Parks Commission to see whether they will be able to attend any of these meetings. (#15) Navarre Park McDermott suggested that the Parks Commission wait until after the Saturday morning meetings are held before contacting Shardlow about proceeding with a concept plan for the Navarre Park in order to gain the local residents' input on what they would like to see for this park. Page 3 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 1, 1999 (#15 Navarre Park, continued) Wilson commented that the Parks Commission may want to delay action on this park until after the plans for Dakota Rail to Trail are decided upon. McDermott stated that Council Member Sansevere has made a commitment that improvements will be made this year to the Navarre Park. Wilson commented that an overall parks and trail plan should be discussed and that all options be explored before proceeding on the Navarre Park. McDermott remarked that some minor improvements could be done this year to improve the park. Gappa stated there is a ten foot wide alley near this park with the City of Orono being listed as the owner which could possibly be utilized in some fashion. Barb Peterson, Council Member, stated that currently no comprehensive plan exists for this area. McDermott stated if access could be gained through the alley, then access will not be necessary off of Shadywood. Gappa commented the fence should remain along the county road to help prevent children from running into the street. Wilson stated that the Parks Commission will need to address safety issues regarding this park due to the close proximity to the street. McDermott suggested the fence remain as is until the Parks Commission has a chance to review this park further. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS (#7) Community Play Field/Central Park (Eisinger Property Landfill) McDermott stated that negotiations on this piece of land have been put on hold until a decision is reached by the owner of the Dog House on whether he will be acquiring this property. (#6) Saga Hill B. Council actions on February 22. Silber stated that Mr. Palmer has agreed to allow access across his property and to vacate Page 4 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 1, 1999 (#6, Saga Hill, continued) the alley across the back of his property, which will enable the City to have access to Saga Hill. Silber noted that the proposed access will be located half on the Fairview Covenant Church property and half on the Palmer property. Silber commented that the generous offer by Mr. Palmer has created a lot of goodwill in the community. Silber stated that once this land is developed, access could also be gained through Wildhurst Trail and off of County Road 151, which would hopefully eliminate the need to gain access through Garden Lane. A. Update of Fund-raising Activities. Silber noted that the committee is continuing its efforts to raise funds to help offset the contribution by the Parks Commission. D. Property Line Survey and Signs. McDermott recommended delaying the property line survey. E. Name Change. Silber recommended the name Saga Hill be preserved, but that the Parks Commission should consider utilizing the name Palmer for a section of the park. Ilse suggested one option that could be explored is the playground area could be designated Palmer Playground. F. Preservation Society Park and Open Space Commission Open House. McDermott stated the Preservation Society Park and Open Space Commission would like to hold an open house to give the local residents an opportunity to tour the park and see how access will be gained to the park. McDermott noted this park will be comprised of over 30 acres once the additional land is acquired and will be Orono's largest park. McDermott inquired how long the lot line rearrangement will take once access is approved. Gappa commented the lot line rearrangement should be completed by this summer. Page 5 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 1, 1999 G. Public Use Survey (Orono 8� Minnetrista) McDermott stated he has spoken with City Administrator Moorse about possibly doing a mail back questionnaire card for the Saga Hill property and requesting the residents to list the top five items they would like to see for this area. McDermott noted that the City Council views this park as a passive park, and in his view this park should have an open field for a play area, tables for picnics, a playground, volleyball court, and trails. Ilse commented that the local neighbors should be contacted regarding what they would like to see for this park. McDermott stated the questionnaire card will be reviewed by the Parks Commission before it is distributed. (#5) Seven Nations Park Formally Dickey Park A. Name Officially Changed to "Seven Nations Natural Area" McDermott stated the City Council has unanimously agreed to change the name to Seven Nations Natural Area, and the Parks Commission should proceed with purchase of a sign for this park. Silber stated she is aware of a company that is in the business of making signs and she would be willing to contact them to obtain an estimate. Wilson commented that the Parks Commission might want to purchase a sign that is similar to what is currently at the other parks. McDermott stated the sign should probably be similar to what is at Highland Park or French Creek. Wilson remarked that the Welcome to Navarre sign with the ducks was very attractive and the Parks Commission might want to consider signage similar to that. McDermott noted that some of the wooden signs are deteriorating and the Parks Commission needs to take that into consideration when purchasing the new sign. B. Site Cleanup Schedule, Light Poles, Trash, Cut and Treat Buckthorn Gappa stated NSP has not removed the light poles as of this time and he has not received any information about when they will be removed. Page 6 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 1, 1999 (#5 Seven Nations Park, continued) Gappa remarked that city crew is planning to remove the buckthorn this week. Wilson stated she has some information regarding removal of buckthorn, noting that there are special techniques that should be employed when removing the buckthorn to prevent it from growing back. C. Cost Estimate: Council Reaction Gappa stated the cost estimates were presented to the City Council, noting that the figures are merely estimates from Shardlow and no formal bids have been obtained. Gappa remarked that estimates for the trees will be obtained from Otten's, Butterfield's and a few other local tree vendors. D. Trails: Mow trails in 1999 McDermott stated the trails will be mowed from Old Crystal Bay through the park to Thoroughbred for a year to see if the trails are utilized, and if the trails are utilized, the City Council will revisit this issue. F. Right-of-Way on Watertown Road, how wide? Gappa stated the right-of-way on Watertown Road is 33 feet wide and at places will be hard to mow due to the ditch. McDermott suggested they mow as much as possible to the ditch. E. Archeological Study Gappa stated the City's engineering firm will need to be contacted to see if an archelogical study can be completed. G. Arboretum Sign Information Wilson presented pictures of the signs, noting that the signs are constructed out of a coated plastic and are easy to read, which will be very effective for informational type signs. Wilson stated she has not obtained any cost estimates for these signs. Page 7 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 1, 1999 E. Archaeological Study McDermott inquired whether the history of the site will be researched at the time the archaeological study is conducted. Gappa stated he is not sure whether information on the history will be available. Ilse commented that she does have some historical information available in a file. Wilson suggested that the Parks Commission erect a historical sign at this park. McDermott indicated he was in agreement with Wilson. Gappa remarked that someone be appointed to research the history of the site and prepare a draft for the sign. Wilson stated she will obtain the name of the sign company. (#2) Approval of February 1, 1999 minutes Corrections were made on Pages 3, 7, 8, and 9. Motion by Silber, second by Ilse, to approve the minutes of the Parks, Open Space and Trails Commission meeting of February 1, 1999, as amended. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. NEW BUSINESS, CONTINUED (#11) March for Parks Ilse commented that the May 1 st date was tentative and that the event will be held on Sunday, May 2nd, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. Silber stated the City should start promoting this event now. Gappa commented an article promoting the March for Parks could be included in the April newsletter. Wilson commented that this event needs some front page publicity as well as pictures. Ilse stated the committee would like to have volunteers solicit donations for this event from the various local businesses, with each volunteer bringing in finro to three sponsors. Ilse remarked the committee would prefer donations of cash rather than prizes if possible. Ilse stated that prizes are awarded to the top youth pledge earners and need to be collected early so they can be promoted. Page 8 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 1, 1999 (#11 March for Parks) Wilson suggested that the committee promote community spirit about the local parks in an effort to make this event successful. Wilson remarked that perhaps the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts be contacted regarding this event. Silber inquired how much a mailing would cost to promote this event. Gappa stated there are 3,000 households in Orono. Ilse remarked that they would need to purchase labels for$65, plus postage. Wilson suggested that State Senator Gen Olsen be contacted to see if she would be willing to attend this event, and that Bob Sansevere also be approached about promoting this event on his radio show. Ilse suggested that the flier for this event be included in the newsletter. New Subdivisions B. Renckens Subdivision Motion by Silber, second by Wilson, recommending the City accept a cash donation for the park dedication fee for the Renckens Subdivision. VOTE: Ayes: 4, Nays 0. C. Carriage Hall Subdivision Wilson suggested that the Parks Commission recommend to the City Council that the developer for this subdivision be required to plant a buffer of trees along the road. McDermott stated the City does have an ordinance requiring the developer to plant trees every 40 feet. Gappa stated this is a finro acre subdivision and the code requires a land donation or$4900 maximum park dedication fee. Silber inquired whether the City could request a combination of land and cash. Gappa remarked that he is unclear of the ordinance wording on both land and cash. Wilson commented that the City Council should be made aware that the Parks Commission is in favor of requiring buffers and green space in all new subdivisions to preserve the rural and natural atmosphere of Orono. Gappa stated the park dedication fee is required due to the impact that a development has Page 9 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 1, 1999 (Carriage Hall Subdivision, continued) on the demand for parks in the City. Motion by Wilson, second by Silber, to recommend that the City request a buffer of trees be planted to enhance the open space and to maintain the rural and natural atmosphere of Orono along the entire length of Willow Road and all sides of the proposed Carriage Lane except the street side of Lots 5 and 6 to allow an open view of the wetland in the Carriage Hall Subdivision. The Parks Commission recommends that this buffer be 25 feet wide, subject to City Staff approval. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. ADJOURNMENT � There being no further business, t � x - was- 'ourned at 9:47 p.m. � ;�_ _—� A rew McDermott, Chair Page 10