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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-05-1999 Park Commission Minutes CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, APRIL 5, 1999 (#1) ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met on the above mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Andrew McDermott, Commissioners Irene Silber, Susan Wilson, and Sherokee Ilse. Commissioner Jim White arrived at 7:26 p.m, Commissioner Van Douglas Erickson arrived at 7:23 p.m. Commissioner Peter Welles was 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 MARCH 1, 1999 MINUTES Corrections were made on Pages 1, 5, 6, and 10 ; Ilse moved, Silber seconded, to approve the Minutes of the Park, Open Space and Trails Commission meeting of March 1, 1999, as amended. VOTE: Ayes 6, Nays 0. MEETING REPORTS (#3) MARCH COUNCIL MEETINGS Ilse attended the March 8, 1999 City Council meeting and stated the City Council passed the March for Parks Proclamation. Welles was not present at the March 22, 1999 City Council meeting. (#4) PUBLIC COMMENTS None SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/UPDATES (#5) Seven Nations Natural Area (a) Site Cleanup Schedule, Light Poles, Trash, Cut and Treat Buckthorn Gappa stated he distributed the information regarding the treating of buckthorn and that the City Crew may have started work on cleanup of the site. Gappa noted that the buckthorn at Casco Point has also been cut and removed. White commented that Casco Point looks great following the removal of the buckthorn. Wilson suggested that an article be submitted to the City's newsletter promoting the removal of buckthorn by the local residents. Page 1 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 5, 1999 (Seven Nations -Site Cleanup, continued) Silber noted that the buckthorn grows back less and less every year, but appropriate steps need to be taken every year to prevent it from growing back. Gappa stated he has no new information regarding the light poles. b. Archaeological Study Gappa stated Northem Environmental was to commence work on the archaeological study and that MnDot has been contacted. Ilse remarked that she has located the file on Seven Nations and suggested that a file be kept at City Hall. McDermott suggested that a copy of the file be sent to the people doing the archaeological study. Ilse suggested that a letter be written to the Historical Society concerning Pat Dickey's letter. McDermott recommended that the letter to the Historical Society be delayed until the archaeological study has been completed. c. StakinglLayout and Construction Schedule Gappa had nothing to report on this item. d. Property Line Markings -Do We Need Another Survey? Gappa stated the surveyor is attempting to find the monuments and work on the property line markings still needs to be completed. McDermott noted that the adjoining property owners wanted clear identification of the park boundaries. e. Tree/Shrub Selection, Fall Planting? Gappa stated that Bonestroo is working on a grading plan for the park. Wilson suggested that the subcommittee be on hand at the time City Crew mows the trails. McDermott inquired when construction will commence on the parking area. Gappa stated work should begin in approximately one to two months. Gappa commented that the pile of tree bark located in the park was probably due to the storms Orono experienced last year and that City Crew will be removing that. McDermott inquired whether any specific nurseries have been contacted regarding purchase of the various shrubs and trees that will be planted in the park. McDermott questioned whether Shardlow had provided a list of recommended trees and shrubs that should be planted. Page 2 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 5, 1999 (Seven Nations -Tree/Shrub Selection, continued) Gappa stated that pine trees should be planted for screening, and noted that City Council had expressed some concern with the number of trees being proposed to be planted in the park due to cost. McDermott stated that one angle in particular needs to be screened. Wilson recommended that the shrubs and trees to be planted be kept within the character of the park. McDermott commented that he would like to see this park returned to the state it was when it was the bluff of Lake Minnetonka. Gappa stated he will request quotes from some of the local nurseries. McDermott requested that Gappa present a list of the trees and shrubs to the Parks Commission before quotes are obtained. f. Arboretum Sign Supplier/Manufacturer's Information Wilson recommended that the informational signs not be purchased due to the high cost of the signs. Wilson suggested that one sign company be located that can furnish all the City's signs rather than dealing with a number of different sign companies. Silber stated that sign companies tend to specialize in one type of sign. Ilse recommended that the Edison Sign Company be contacted, noting that they are a local company and offer a whole range of signs. 6. SAGA HILL a. Update on Property Lines Church and Palmer Property Silber stated the City Council accepted the land donation from Fairview Church and Mr. Palmer for access into Saga Hill and the closing has been completed. Silber stated 50 feet of land on the church property and 50 feet of land on the Palmer property will consist of the access into the park. b. Purchase/Sales Agreement Silber had nothing to report on this item. c. Property Line Survey -Was it Done? Gappa stated some staking has been completed, noting that the rest of the survey will be completed upon final acquisition of the land. Gappa remarked that a public hearing will be Page 3 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 5, 1999 (Saga Hill -Property Line Survey, continued) needed in order to vacate the alley. White inquired whether the City was interested in a quick take or a regular condemnation. Gappa commented that the City is looking at a quick take condemnation of the land. d. Preservation Society Park and Open Space Commission Open House Revised Schedule Silber stated the Preservation Society wants to hold an open house to introduce the general public to Saga Hill, noting that a date has not been set at this time. Gappa commented that the final papers on the land acquisition will not be completed until July or August. Silber noted that the Preservation Society will be picking up the expense for the open house. 7. March for Parks Ilse distributed the flier for the March for Parks event and a list of the sponsors to date. Ilse stated more sponsors are still needed for this event and requested that each park commissioner attempt to find additional sponsors and notify her of the names as soon as possible. Ilse stated one to two volunteers are needed at Green Glen Park to hand out refreshments. Ilse commented in the past two different pathways have been set up, one for pedestrians and one for bikers, and inquired whether the Parks Commission would like this to continue. Ilse stated the other stand will be located at the Ox Yoke Inn. Silber stated that she does have some volunteers lined up for this event. Ilse remarked that volunteers are also needed to serve as road crossers and that the police department needs to be notified of this event to help with traffic. Silber commented in her view it is better to have two pathways. Wilson stated she was in agreement with Silber on the two pathways, but questioned whether refreshments are needed all the way to Ox Yoke. Wilson suggested that refreshments be set up halfway to Ox Yoke. Silber stated that Highway 110 would be a good turnaround point. Ilse remarked that the bikers will go to the Ox Yoke and that pedestrians go to Green Glen, noting that transportation needs to be arranged to get the participants back to their vehicles. McDermott noted that the City arranged for a bus last year to transport the participants. McDermott stated that the committee should look at whether there are enough participants to justify the two different pathways. Erickson suggested that promotional literature be distributed at the schools in an effort to attract more participants to this event. Page 4 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 5, 1999 (March for Parks, continued) Wilson stated that more effort should be directed at attracting more people to this event. Silber stated she will contact Community Education in an effort to arrange more volunteers. Ilse commented that the volunteers could also go around and collect pledges. Erickson commented he will talk to his daughter's Girl Scout troop leader to see if they would be interested in participating in this event. Ilse suggested that the fliers could also be distributed at the various churches in the area and that she has prepared a press release advertising the event. Ilse noted that some prizes have been received for this event, noting that prizes will be handed out to the top money earners in four different categories. Ilse commented that some money could be allocated for prizes, but she would like to see the majority of the money go into the park fund. Silber suggested that residents in the Navarre area be actively recruited to participate in this event. Ilse remarked that different neighbor groups could get together to help raise money for the parks. The Parks Commission extended their thanks to Ilse for her efforts on this project. 6. Saga Hill, Continued Silber stated that the committee has two possible donors for Saga Hill, and if donations are received, the money will go towards reimbursement of the Park Dedication Fund. STATUS REPORTS 8. Highway 12 Proposal Report on March Highway 12 Meeting - Park/Trail Related Issues McDermott distributed information regarding the different proposals for the realignment of Highway 12, noting that major changes are being proposed to County Road 6 and Brown Road. McDermott stated the City has provided MnDot will nine or ten different points that they would like to see addressed in this project, noting that the City is looking for trail connections between Long Lake and Orono. McDermott noted that no decision will be reached on the Highway 12 project for some time. McDermott remarked that Stubbs Bay Road will have a cul-de-sac in that area and that the Parks Commission should look at acquiring land for trails in that neighborhood. 9. Orono Area Athletic Association a. Are there any more decisions about the proposed recreation facilities for Orono School Page 5 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 5, 1999 District? Erickson stated the girls have a need for more softball fields and have requested that the School District provide the equivalent to what the boys have received. McDermott noted that the Parks Commission has been requested by City Council to hold off on the Eisinger property. Erickson commented that a piece of property is going to become available in the industrial park near Old Crystal Bay Road and Highway 12, which would be a great asset to the City if it could be acquired. Erickson stated the Orono Area Athletic Association is looking at the possibility of utilizing it as a community center. Erickson commented that the owner is asking 3.5 million for the property. Erickson stated if this land is acquired, it would accommodate the long-term recreational needs of the community and that the acquisition and development of this land could be a joint effort between the City and the School District. 10. Dakota Rail to Trail March Mayor's Meeting with Adjoining Cities -What was the Outcome? Gappa stated Mayor Jabbour did attend a meeting with the adjoining cities regarding the Dakota Rail to Trail project and interest by the various cities in the project was expressed. Gappa stated that the Mayor of Minnetonka Beach did express a concern regarding the alignment and close proximity of the trails to private residences. Gappa remarked that currently there are approximately one to two trains a week that run that track. McDermott stated that Rick Meyers has been contacted regarding this issue and is excited about serving as coordinator for the project. McDermott noted that the State Railroad Board will be contacted regarding the number of derailments that have occurred on this track. Gappa commented that Mayor Jabbour and City Administrator Moorse have met with Hennepin Parks regarding bike trails in the area. McDermott stated he will be attending a park and trails planning session on April 17 with Rick Meyers, and if anyone is interested in attending, they should let him know. 11. Spring Hill Any News About Trails? Gappa stated a site inspection of the whole course has been completed, but they were unable to inspect the trails due to a rain storm that day. Gappa noted that the letter of credit will expire at the end of June. Wilson inquired whether the trail will go across County Road 6. Gappa commented he will look into that. Gappa remarked the split rail fence is right on the edge and questioned whether anything would be gained by moving the fence. McDermott inquired why the fence was necessary. Page 6 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 5, 1999 (Spring Hill, continued) Gappa stated the fence is located on the right-of-way and is necessary to keep people out of the swamp area. Gappa remarked the police department, as well as City Council, has stated that they would like the fence to remain. The Police Department stated the fence helps deter snowmobilers from entering that area. Wilson commented that the area needs to be reviewed to see whether there is enough room for a safe trail. 12. Recognize Adopt-a-Park Volunteers Monday, April 26 Council Meeting. McDermott inquired whether anyone has heard back from any of the volunteers on whether they will be attending the City Council meeting. Gappa stated that the invitation did not contain an RSVP. McDermott commented that no Friends of the Park award will be presented this year. Ilse remarked that in her view the students from the school should be recognized for their efforts in the March for Parks project last year. McDermott stated that they will need to obtain approval from the City Council in order for that to occur. McDermott suggested that this year's March for Park volunteers could be recognized at the May 10th City Council meeting. Ilse commented that the volunteers from last year's March for Parks could also be recognized at the same time. Gappa stated he will bring this item to the Mayor for his input. 13. Neighborhood Meeting/Comp Plan McDermott stated there was good turnout at the March 6 neighborhood meeting in Navarre, noting that there were some complaints expressed regarding the condition of the Navarre area. Ilse stated she attended the March 13 meeting and there was some interest expressed for senior housing in Orono, but the residents were informed that that is not a possibility at this time. Ilse commented that the Y2K issue was also discussed and that the citizens inquired what steps the City was doing to deal with the issue. Gappa commented the City is developing a plan to address the Y2K issue and that the Public Works Department as well as the Police Department will be on standby and will have extra people available in order to handle any problems that may arise. Gappa stated a meeting was held with Hennepin County and concerns have been raised regarding the unsafe storage of gasoline at people's residences. Gappa stated the City and the utility companies are taking steps to inform the general public of the steps that they are taking to address this problem and some common sense things that the residents can do to deal with the Y2K problem. Page 7 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 5, 1999 (Neighborhood Meeting/Comp Plan, continued) Ilse recommended that people avoid waiting until the last minute to stock up on the essentials, and if they should have any questions regarding this issue, to contact Gappa in the Public Works Department. Silber stated she attended the March 27 meeting, noting that only two citizens were in attendance. 14. French Creek Wilson stated the duck nests have been fixed up and that wood chips have been brought in for the wood ducks. Gappa stated five to six permits to date have been issued for burning. (Erickson leaves at 9:06 p.m.) New Subdivisions a. Crystal Bay Preserve Silber stated she was not in favor of this subdivision. Wilson commented she was in agreement with Silber. Gappa inquired whether the Parks Commission would like to see a trail dedication in this subdivision. McDermott stated he would like to see straighter trails along with a vegetative buffer in front of the trail. McDermott commented he would like to see the vegetative buffer be similar to what exists along the Old Crystal Bay development. Ilse suggested that land also be set aside for two parking spaces. Wilson commented that she was in agreement with Ilse. Wilson moved, White seconded, to recommend a land dedication in the Crystal Bay Preserve in lieu of cash,to have the trail realigned to connect with the existing trail in the area, and to have land set aside to provide two to three parking spaces located down by the Luce Line Trail. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. OTHER ISSUES: McDermott requested that Wilson check her schedule to see if she would be able to substitute for him at the April 12 City Council meeting. McDermott remarked that Rick Meyers is attempting to contact the person who has possession of a fountain that was once located in the Yellow Tarrow Hotel in Spring Park to see whether he would be interested in donating it to the Navarre Park. Page 8 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 5, 1999 , ADJOURNMENT ��`���' ��� � Silber moved, Ilse seconded,to adj,etarn � ng a� : VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. � , .�- - / �. . / r �...�._.__�__.�--'� Andrew McDermott, Chair Page 9