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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-07-1999 Park Commission Minutes CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, JUNE 7, 1999 1. Park Tour-5:00 p.m. The Parks Commission, along with the Orono City Council, Mayor Jabbour, Planning Commission Representative Jay Nygaard, Public Services Director Greg Gappa, and Recorder Jackie Young toured the following parks: Seven Nations Natural Area, Crystal Bay Park,Navarre Park, Larson Property, Saga Hill Access, Stubbs Bay City Dock, Bedenvood Park, Spring Hill Golf Course Trail, Highwood Natural Trail and Summit Hill. Seven Nations Natural Area Gappa stated that the Parks Commission would like to plant additional trees in the open space adjoining the residential neighborhood. White commented that there will be a circle driveway leading into the park. Ilse stated that the land was donated to the City with the stipulation that this area be kept natural and that the Native American history of this site be preserved. Mayor Jabbour commented that the Parks Commission should revisit their proposal regarding the planting of additional trees in this park, noting that the area is currently fairly wooded. Crystal Bay Park Gappa commented that the Parks Commission recently constructed a half-court basketball court in this park. Kelley stated that there has been interest expressed in the construction of a rollerskating or rollerblading rink at one of the local parks in Orono. Kelley commented that an individual has expressed interest in donating money towards construction of a skateboard rink at one of the local parks as well and that perhaps the Parks Commission may want to consider that. Ilse commented that perhaps the ice rink could be utilized as a volleyball court in the summertime so the area would not need to be reseeded every spring or be paved to allow for a rollerblade rink. Navarre Park White stated that the Parks Commission would like to leave the fence along the roadway to prevent children from running out into the street and to remove the remaining fence to make this park more inviting to the general public, noting that the fence makes this area appear to be private land. White commented that the Parks Commission would like to make this more of a Pagc 1 Park Commission Meeting June 7, 1999 Page 2 focal point in the Navarre area. Gappa remarked that the Parks Commission is also contemplating improvements to the parking lot, with screening of the buildings and involvement on the part of the local residents with the landscaping and upkeep of the park. Gappa stated that the local residents would like this park to become more of a gathering place with new play equipment being installed. Gappa stated that the Parks Commission is also considering removal of some of the trees in this park. Kelley suggested that the Parks Commission consider a gazebo for this park. Sansevere suggested that the Parks Commission put a horseshoe pit at this park and that the City consider holding a horseshoe tournament after the improvements are made to this park. Nygaard recommended that some barbecue pits be installed at some of the City parks. Saga Hill Access Gappa stated that the access issue has been resolved with the Fairview Covenant Church, noting that access will be accomplished through a portion of the church property and through a portion of the Larson property. Mayor Jabbour commented that access to this area is important in the event of an emergency. Jabbour recommended that some of the vegetation be removed to allow for better access. Highwood Natural Trail Welles suggested that a new two-sided sign for this park be installed, with the new sign being located closer to the road. Welles suggested that some of the trees in this area be removed. Stubbs Bay City Dock Gappa stated that the City will be hauling in approaimately 10 cubic yards of fill to construct a six foot wide pathway in front of the dock. Ilse commented that this area experiences a lot of water runoff from the street and that the wetlands are needed in this area to help filter that runoff. Ilse noted that the lakeshore has been eroded from snowmobilers. Ilse recommended that a sign be posted designating the public access to help prevent people from using the dock on the adjoining property. Bederwood Park Sansevere suggested that an ice rink with hockey boards be constructed at this park. Page 2 Park Commission Meeting June 7, 1999 Page 3 Spring Hilt Golf Course Trail Flint noted that this trail is scheduled to be completed at the time the golf course is opened, noting that a substantial amount of work still needs to be completed on the trails. Flint commented that they are looking at extending the trail across Highway 6. Gappa remarked that Mn/DOT has not been very receptive to the extension of the trail across County Road 6 due to traffic/pedestrian safety concerns. Sansevere suggested that an article be included in the local newspaper or City newsletter promoting the City's trail and park system. Summit Hill Beach Mayor Jabbour noted that this land was donated by Mr. Dayton. Silber commented that the maintenance on this park is superb. Ilse suggested that a barbecue grill and horseshoes be installed in this area. Welles noted that there have been problems with fishing off of the deck even though a no fishing sign is posted. 2. Attendance The Park Commission met on the above mentioned date with the following members present: Acting Chair Jim White, Commissioners Irene Silber, Sherokee Ilse and Peter Welles. Representing Staff were Public Services Director Greg Gappa and Recorder Jackie Young. Acting Chair White called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. 3. Approval of May, 1999 Minutes Welles moved, Silber seconded,to table the minutes of the May 3, 1999 Parks, Open Space and Trails Commission meeting. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. MEETING REPORTS 4. May Council Meetings This item was not discussed. Page 3 Park Commission Meeting June 7, 1999 Page 4 5. Public Comments None SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/UPDATES 6. Seven Nations Natural Area This item is included under Item#1. 7. Saga Hill This item is included under Item#1. 8. Dakota Rail to Trail This item was not discussed. 9. Comprehensive Plan Meeting Report Welles moved, Silber seconded,to table this item to the July 5, 1999 Parks Commission meeting. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. 10. Navarre Park Pian Navarre Parking Lot Plan This item is included under Item#1. 11. Park Trails and Open Space Capital Improvements 2000- 2010 Welles moved, Silber seconded,to table this item to the July 5, 1999 Parks Commission meeting. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. OTHER ISSUES: June City Council Meetings June 14 -Wilson June 21 - Ilse Page 4 Park Commission Meeting June 7, 1999 Page 5 ADJOURNMENT Welles moved, Silber seconded,to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. `� �J/� im White,Acting Chair Page 5