Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-06-1999 Park Commission Minutes ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR JULY 6, 1999 (#1) ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met on the above mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Andrew McDermott, Commissioner Sherokee Ilse and Commissioner Irene Silber. Commissioners Van Douglas Erickson, Jim White, Susan Wilson, and Peter Welles were absent. Representing Staff were Public Services Director Greg Gappa and Recorder Jackie Young. City Council Member Bob Sansevere was present. Chair McDermott called the meeting to order at 7:20 p.m. (#2) APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JUNE 7, 1999 This item was not voted on due to lack of a quorum. Ilse stated that the comment relating to the skateboard rink was not limited to the Crystal Bay Park and that Council Member Kelley has been contacted by a person interested in donating money towards a skateboard rink. Ilse commented that the Parks Commission may want to pursue the possibility of installing a skateboard rink at one of the local parks since there appears to be some interest in that type of a rink. Sansevere remarked that the Parks Commission may want to research what liability the City would have with a skateboard rink. MEETING REPORTS (#3) JUNE COUNCIL MEETINGS Wilson attended the June 14, 1999 City Council meeting, but was not present at tonight's meeting. Ilse attended the June 21, 1999 City Council meeting, noting that she thanked the City Council members for attending the Park Tour earlier that month. (#4) PUBLIC COMMENTS None SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/UPDATES (#5) SEVEN NATIONS NATURAL AREA A. Archeological Survey Gappa stated that Mn/DOT has concluded that no formal study of this area has been completed, and a meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, July 8, 1999, with the Indian Affairs Council, who will make a determination on the historical significance of this site. Silber inquired how the boundaries will be determined to insure that they are within Dickey Park. Gappa commented that in his opinion the boundaries for Seven Nations are within Dickey Park. Page 1 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR JULY 6, 1999 The Indian Affairs Council wiil review maps of the area to determine the boundaries as well as conduct a shovel testing of the area in an effort to see if any artifacts are uncovered. McDermott stated that there was a special on Native Indians in the Orono/Mound area that aired on cable TV this past weekend, which was sponsored by the Hennepin County Parks. Ilse inquired whether the neighbors were being kept informed as to what was occurring in this area. McDermott stated once an answer is received back on the archeological study, a note should be sent to the neighbors informing them about the landscaping. McDermott noted that one resident in particular had complained about the lack of screening in that area. Sansevere commented that he personally would support a scaled-down version of the trees, but that the money allocated towards trees could perhaps be put to better use for other items in the park. Gappa stated that after the first row of trees, it is relatively open space. McDermott suggested that the Parks Commission wait until after the parking lot is constructed and the overgrown shrubs are removed to see whether any trees should be planted. Sansevere stated that the City Council had rescinded what had previously been approved and that they would be willing to look at a scaled-down landscaping plan. B. Mowed Trails; How Often; Are they being used? Gappa stated that the trails have been mowed all the way to Thoroughbred. Silber commented that the Seven Nations Natural Area has been mowed. McDermott inquired whether the location of the easements has been verified. Gappa remarked that some further research needs to be completed on the easements, but that the trails were moved north of the ravine to Thoroughbred. C. Have we ordered sign? Gappa stated that a sign has not yet been ordered for Seven Nations Natural Area. McDermott commented that a sign will also need to be ordered for Saga Hill as well. McDermott stated that the sign for Highwood Park should be relocated closer to the road. Ilse suggested that Edison Signs in Long Lake be contacted. Gappa stated that he will be contacting the sign company that has done the other park signs. D. Otherissues Ilse stated that recently she encountered a resident near Seven Nations Natural Area who was removing some daylilies and was informed that the flowers in this area are generally mowed over. The resident commented that the City should consider planting flowers in this general area. Page 2 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR JULY 6, 1999 Gappa commented that normally the City crew does not mow in that area but did mow there once to eliminate a bunch of thistles. Gappa stated that the City Council made a motion at the last City Council meeting to remove the trees from the landscaping plan for Seven Nations, noting that in their view adequate screening already exists. Ilse commented that the City Council was not informed that a lot of the overgrown shrubs would be removed. McDermott stated once an answer is received back on the archeological study, a note shoufd be sent to the neighbors informing them about the landscaping. McDermott noted that one resident in particular had complained about the lack of screening in that area. Sansevere commented that he personally would support a scaled-down version of the trees, but that the money allocated towards trees could perhaps be put to better use for other items in the park. The Parks Commission discussed this issue on the Parks tour and the consensus was that there are other higher priority items to be completed in the park system other than trees for Seven Nations Park. Gappa stated that after the first row of trees, it is relatively open space. McDermott suggested that the Parks Commission wait until after the parking lot is constructed and the overgrown shrubs are removed to see whether any trees should be planted. Sansevere stated that the City Council had rescinded what had previously been approved and that they would be willing to look at a scaled-down landscaping plan. McDermott stated that one of the reasons that Van Erickson is resigning is because the Parks Commission followed the proper format for developing a concept plan for Seven Nations and that the City Council was not very supportive of the plan proposed by the Parks Commission. (#6) SAGA HILL A. Easement Acquisition Gappa stated that the City will not be able to obtain an easement until the alley is vacated, and a public hearing at the Planning Commission level is scheduled this month to discuss this item. Gappa commented that it was his understanding that an agreement has been executed between the City and Fairview Covenant Church. Silber inquired whether the 90 day waiting period was part of the condemnation proceedings. Gappa stated that the City is required to wait 90 days as part of the legal proceedings, but that it is very likely the City will obtain the easement by August. B. Road and Parking Lot Construction Gappa stated that Bonestroo will be staking the boundaries as part of construction of the parking Page 3 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR JULY 6, 1999 lot. Silber suggested that, if needed, a member of the Parks Commission be contacted to help locate the boundaries. McDermott noted that the payment for the easement will be allocated out of the Park Dedication Fund. It was the consensus of the Parks Commission to construct a parking lot and road into Saga Hili as soon as possible. Gappa stated that the City Council directed that a 25 stall parking lot and road be constructed as soon as possible. Silber stated in her opinion a 25 stal� parking lot was too large for this area, and suggested that it be reduced to 20. Gappa stated that this parking lot is similar to Summit Beach, and would be approximately 120 feet by 70 feet wide. McDermott stated the parking lot would be gravel and the road will be paved. Gappa stated that work on this area will probably not commence until August and that the plan can be reviewed at the July Parks Commission meeting. C. Typical Park Sign This item was discussed under Item 5C. D. Public Use Survey Silber stated that a survey has been put together for the local residents around this area inquiring what they would like to see as far as passive/active uses for this park. Some possible passive uses include walking trails, bird watching, cross-country skiing. Some possible active uses for the park are volleyball, basketball court, ice rink, open play field, play equipment, horseshoes, and picnic areas. Ilse inquired what area this park is proposed to serve according to the revised comprenhensive plan. McDermott stated that this is a 30 plus acre park and that the survey should perhaps be sent to an area larger than a one mile radius. Silber commented that the survey will also be sent to some Minnetrista residents. McDermott recommended that the survey area be enlargened to include more Orono residents. Sansevere stated that in his view what type of uses the park will be used for will dictate how many residents will utilize the park, noting that he personally will not support a formalized ballfield. Silber stated she will enlargen the radius for the survey. Gappa suggested that some portable toilets also be located in the park, noting that a wooden Page 4 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR JULY 6, 1999 enclosure is installed around them for aesthetic purposes. Ilse suggested that barbecue grills be considered for this park. McDermott inquired whether burning was permitted at the other parks. Gappa stated that burning is not permitted and that the other parks do not contain barbecue grills. Ilse stated instailing grills at some of the parks was discussed on the park tour. Gappa stated he will have the mailing labels prepared for the survey. E. Boundaries Marked for New Property Silber requested that she be notified once the City obtains the easement from the Fairview Covenant Church. Gappa stated the easement probably will not become final until August. 7. DAKOTA RAIL TO TRAIL McDermott stated that the Dakota Rail is requesting financial aid from the Minnesota Department of Transportation to enable them to make improvements to the railroad track. McDermott commented that the Rail America Company has decided to end its involvement with the Dakota Rail due to financial reasons. Gappa inquired whether the Dakota Rail is still permitted to transport toxic waste due to the poor condition of the track. McDermott stated that the Dakota Rail is exempt from the guidelines governing railroads because they do not carry passengers and are under the mileage requirements. McDermott commented that the City of Orono has received a letter from Spring Park expressing concerns about the condition of the track as well. 8. NAVARRE PARK PLAN/NAVARRE PARKING LOT PLAN Gappa stated he has received a propopsal from Shardlow today by fax regarding the Navarre Park but he has not had an opportunity to review it indepth. Gappa commented that what they are proposing appears to be reasonable. Ilse questioned whether Shardlow should be given a budget to work within, noting that the plan for Seven Nations Natural Area was reduced due to cost. Sansevere commented that there should be play equipment located at this park, which will probably cost a minimum of$20,000. Ilse remarked that the Parks Commission is paying Shardlow to design plans that are not being used for the most part due to the proposed construction costs involved. Page 5 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR JULY 6, 1999 Gappa commented in his view it will cost approximately $70,000 to improve the Navarre Park with what has been proposed to date. Ilse stated that the City Council should be approached regarding a budget for this park. Silber remarked that the Parks Commission may want to schedule a work session with the City Council to work through some of these issues. McDermott stated that there is not always full agreement among the Council members, which results in different directions being given to the Parks Commission. Silber commented that the Parks Commission should get the City Council's vision for the Navarre Park before much more work is done. McDermott suggested that the concept plan be presented to the City Council for their review, noting that very few improvements are being done to the Seven Nations Natural Area. Gappa stated that the City Council may not have a realistic idea of what the costs are to improve the parks and that maybe the costs should be explained in further detail. McDermott stated that in the past the City Council was not presented with the cost figures and City Council approval was not obtained before the improvements were made. Gappa commented that the park dedication fees need to be justified. McDermott commented that there is a definite need for improvement at the Navarre Park. Ilse noted that the Parks Commission did prioritize the City's parks and Seven Nations was listed towards the top. Sansevere suggested that the City Administrator be approached about encouraging the City Council members to attend the Parks Commission meetings. Ilse recommended that some cost estimates be included in the concept plan for Navarre at the time it is presented to the City Council. McDermott stated that the play equipment and new fence will cost approximately $30,000. Ilse stated she would like to see some barbecue grills installed at this park. Gappa noted that a gazebo or picnic shelter was also suggested for this park. Ilse commented in her view the proposed improvements will cost between $70,000 and $80,000. Sansevere recommended that the City Council be presented with the concept plan first, with the costs to be determined at a later date. Silber suggested that the objectives for this park be outlined for the City Council. Gappa stated that he could have Wally Case, Landscape Architect, attend the next Parks Commission meeting to discuss the concept plan. Page 6 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR JULY 6, 1999 9. SPRING HILL TRAILS Gappa stated that the Spring Hill Trail agreement was approved by the City Councii on their consent agenda. Gappa remarked that there still remains a few outstanding items to be completed, noting that the developer constructed a trail in the county right-of-way along County Road 6. McDermott commented that compared to the value of the development, the trail system is not the best, and that the concept plan for the trail system shouid have been required right at the beginning of the application rather than taking the approach that this item can be worked out along the way. Gappa stated that signs will be installed at the entrances to this trail system denoting that it is intended for pedestrian use only. 10. PARK TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS 2000 -2010 This item was not discussed. 11. SUBDIVISIONS -SKETCH PLAN FOR PROPERTY NORTH/WEST WILLOW 8� TH 12 Gappa stated this subdivision would enable the City to obtain a trail along the west side of Willow and that it has been incorporated into the sketch plan. Ilse inquired whether this trail would connect up to the baseball fields near the high school. Gappa stated the trail does extend to the school property line. McDermott commented that the School District would then be able to extend the trail up to the baseball fields. Ilse inquired whether it would be considered a public or private roadway. Gappa stated that a decision has not been reached on whether it would be a private roadway, but that City Staffs recommendation is that it not be a private roadway. Gappa commented that even if it is determined to be a private road, the City should retain the right to utilize the road for trail purposes. Gappa noted that rezoning is necessary in order for this subdivision to be approved and that this is merely a sketch plan. OTHER ISSUES: Gappa stated that he was unable to attend the Planning Commission meeting when the item relating to the Stubbs Bay City dock was discussed, noting that this item was tabled due to some issues that were raised. Gappa commented that a resident in the audience inquired about the possibility of putting a picnic table in this area and that the Planning Commissionl wanted to get the Parks Commission input on this matter. Ilse remarked that she is not in favor of filling the wetlands in this area and that other options should be explored. Gappa stated that the City is proposing to place approximately 180 square feet in the wetlands to construct a six foot wide pathway. Page 7 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR JULY 6, 1999 Ilse stated in her opinion it is a mistake to fiil any portion of the wetland in that area since it filters the runoff from the road. Ilse inquired whether the dock could be extended to avoid filling the wetland. Gappa stated in his view the amount of fill being proposed is minimal but is necessary to help make the land in that area level. Gappa commented that the topography in this area prevents a boardwalk from being constructed. City Staffs recommendation was to fill a portion of the wetland. Silber commented in her opinion there is not sufficient room for a picnic table. The Parks Commission stated they are not interested in a picnic table at this location. It was the consensus of the Parks Commission that filling of the wetlands should be avoided if at all possible. McDermott noted that Van Erickson has submitted a letter of resignation to the Parks Commission and that the openings on the Parks Commission will need to be advertised. Gappa stated that Rick Meyers' name has been mentioned as a possible candidate. ADJOURNMENT — --_ -__._.. ._� _. There being no further business to discus etin as 'qurned af�9�Q0 p.m. /" _--, � - Andrew McDefmott, Cha