The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About08-02-1999 Park Commission Minutes ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR AUGUST 2, 1999 (#1) ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met on the above mentioned date�vith the follo«�ing members present: Chair Andrew McDermott and Commissioner Irene Silber. Commissioner Jim White arrived at 7:31 p.m. Commissioners Peter Wellcs, Van Douglas Erickson, Susan Wilson and Sherokee Ilse were absent. Represeiiting Staff�vere Public Services Dircctor Grcg Gappa and Recorder Jackie Young. City Council Representative Barbara Pcterson��-as present. Chair McDermott called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. (#2) APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JULY, 1999 This item was tabled due to lack of a quonun. (#3) APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JUNE, 1999 City Council Representative Barbara Peterson requested that the names of the Park Conmiission members who attended the Park Tour be listed individually. This item was tabled due to lack of a quorum. (#4) APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MAY, 1999 This item was tabled due to lack of a quonlm. MEETING REPORTS (#5) JULY COUNCIL MEETINGS This item was not discussed. (#6) PUBLIC COMMENTS A. Navarre Neighborhood Meetin�- 7:30 p.m. Rick Meyers,Navarre resident, stated he�vould like to see some ne�v playground equipment and Page 1 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR AUGUST 2, 1999 (Navarre Neighborhood Meeting, Continued) better access at the Navarre Park. Meyers remarked that the present fence installed around the park tends to restrict access to the park and make it non-inviting. Meyers suggested that the Parks Conunission remove that fence and install a new fence around the play equipment area only. Gappa commented that a split rail fence for this park has been discussed to help prevent the young children from running out onto the road. Meyers suggested that some planting be done on the steep slopes, «�ith somc benchcs and possibly a fountain being located in this area. Meyers recommcndcd t11at a comlecting trail be constructed to the Navarre Park. McDermott stated that they are planning to construct a trail do�vn to Count��Road 19 and Lyric, which would include this area. Meyers suggested that perhaps some of the ne�v lighting that is proposed to be installed at the City-owned parking lot also be installed at this park Mevers stated thlt three to four lights �eould be sufficient to illuminate this area, with the lights bcing installed by thc entrances and the play area. Silber commented that the Parks Commission needs to keep the safety of the children in mind and that a fence of some type will be required. Meyers stated that his suggestion was to install a fence around the play equipment and to remove the other fencing in an attempt to make the park more inviting. McDermott commented that a fountain, a gazcbo, and a planter havc been suggested for this park. MeDermott noted that parking for this park is available in thc parking lot across the street. Meyers commented that he has a friend�vho would be�rilling to donate a fountain �vhich could be utilized in this park. Meyers stated that the ncighbors along thc «est property line may wish to keep the fence on that side, and that possibly some local gardcn clubs could donate some of the plants. McDermott noted that horseshoes has been suggested for this park as «•ell along with a barbecue pit. Meyers stated in his opinion horseshoes might not be a good mix��ith young children around and that a barbecue pit tcnds to be a high maintenance item. Meyers suggested that the Parks Commission install some picnic benches in this park along«�ith a more attractive trash receptacle. Meyers inquired�vhen�vork would comrr�ence on this park. McDermott stated the earliest��ork could commence on this park«�ould be the year 2000. Gappa stated in his opinion some of the trees should be removed as «�ell. Silber commented that the soils in this area�vill need to be improved. Page 2 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR AUGUST 2, 1999 (Navarre Neighborhood Meeting, Continued) Gappa commented that the City has a lot of black dirt available from another development site which could be utilized here. McDermott inquired�vhether the current play equipment is bcing utilized at this park. Meyers commented that there is some use of the cquipmcnt. Gappa stated that the play equipment located in the Antoine Park costed approYimately $25,000. Gappa noted that a budget for this park��ill need to be approved by the City Council, but that work could probably commence in the spring of ne�t year. Meyers stated he has a map of the Navarre area that sells for$10.00, and he would be willing to donate $5.00 of the proceeds to�vards the improvemcnts in the park Meyers stated these maps could be distributed at the various local stores. It was the consensus of the Parks Commission that this idca should be pursued. MeDermott stated he�t�ould be able to bring in some ]ighting catalogs. Gappa commented that the people in attendance at the public llearing for the Navarre parking area suggested similar lighting to��hat Long Lake currcntly has. Meyers inquired��hat type of budget the Parks Commission ��as looking at for this park. Gappa stated that the Parks Commission has spent approsimatcl�- $3 i,000 at Antoine Park. MeDermott stated that amount is similar to«�hat �vas spent at Crvstal Ba��. MeDermott remarked that the City Council has indicated they�vould like to have a qualit} park in this area, and that the major expenses for this park«�ill be the play equipment and the trail. Meyers commented that he��ould like this park to be a catalyst in helping Navarre become more community-oriented. Gappa stated he�vill contact Earl Anderson regarding play equipment. B. Other Public Comments Gappa stated that the Navarre sign has becn relocated near Super America, noting that there was no good place along County Road 19 due to impairment of sight lines. Meyers commented that the sign looks nice in its new location. Page 3 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR AUGUST 2, 1999 SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/UPDATES (#7) Seven Nations Natural Area- Archeological Sw�vey Gappa stated that work is unden��ay on the archeological survey and the preliminary indication at this time is that this site is not a a significant historical site. The Indian Affairs Council did not seem to feel this site�vas of high significance at the present time. McDermott commented that the proposed improvements to this park are respectfi�l of the Indian culture. McDermott inquired whether any response has been received from NSP regarding the power poles. Gappa stated he�vill contact NSP again, but that hc has not received anv ne�v inforn�ation regarding the poles. (#8) Saga Hill A. Public Use Survey Silber stated the surve}��ill be read�� for the August 9 Citv Council mecting. McDermott inquired b}�what date the survey should bc rcad�� for inclusion in the City Council packets. Gappa stated that the survey should be ready by Wednesday. Silber indicated that she will try to have the resl�lts read��by Wednesda��. B. Boundaries Marked for New Property Gappa indicated that the alley«�as vacated at the July 26 Cit�� Council mecting and that the City Administrator is in the process of finalizing this issue. Gappa statcd thc area might have been surveyed already. McDermott stated that by the September meeting hopefull}� a sitc plan �vill have been prepared. Gappa stated that the City Council would like to have the road started sometime in August, but that no clear direction has been given regarding thc size of the parking lot. McDermott remarked that he has heard betwcen 20 and 30, noting that the parking lot can always be expanded ifnecessary. McDermott suggcsted that Gap��a proposc 1S unless the survey reflects that a larger number of peoplc��ill be uCilizing this park, and that perhaps tl�e church �arking lot could be used for overflo�v. Page 4 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR AUGUST 2, 1999 (#9) Dakota Rail to Trail McDermott stated he attended a�t�ork session on Wednesda��hcre all the partics expressed interest in proceeding with this project. McDernlott commcnted that Minnetonlca Beach expressed some reservations concerning this project but overall �vas in favor of proceedi�lg forward. McDermott remarked that an article regarding the hauling of toxic��aste on this railroad line will be included in the local paper within the next couple of�ti�eeks, ��hich hopefully will make the general public more aware of the potential dangers that exist on this railroad line. McDern�ott commented that 3M may object to this railroad line being abandoned. McDermott stated that the City of Orono has already sent a letter to State Senators Wellstone and Grams encouraging them to vote against any fiinding for this railroad. McDern�ott stated that the railroad is requesting approximatcl}' 6.9 million dollars in federal aid to improve this track If no buyer for this railroad is located in the near fi�ture, use of the railroad��ill terminate effective October 1, 1999. The Department of Transportation has afso indicated that they�vill not give up ultimate control of this railroad line. Meyers stated that the letter to the state senators ��°as to inform thcm that the City of Orono is against any funding of this project in that the requested financing ��ill not resolve the safety issues that currently exist on this railroad line. Meyers commcnted that this railroad has a very significant number of derailments. Silber inquired where the toxic chcmicals arc bcing transported to. White commented that the chemicals arc probably bcing transported to various locations in Minnesota. White suggested that the City employ a lobbyist in Washington, D.C., to help fight this financing request by the railroad. _ Meyers stated that Hennepin Parks has already indicated that they�t�ould be�villing to help fund this trail. (#10) SPRING HILL TRAILS - TRAIL SIGNS Gappa stated that the signs have come in and�vill bc installed at the entrances to the trail indicating that the trail is not intcnded for motorized vehicles or horses. NEW BUSINESS (#12) STUBBS BAY PUBLIC ACCESS DOCK Gappa stated that this application was approved 6-1 by the Pla►u�ing Commission who recommended that this item be revie�ved by the Parks Conunission bcfore commencement of any�vork. Gappa commented that approlimately 190 square fect of the��etland ��ill be filled. McDermott commented that the Parks Commission at its last meeting��as not all in agreement on whether the�z�etland should be filled. Page 5 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR AUGUST 2, 1999 (Stubbs Bay Public Access Dock, Continued) White stated in his view this is not a major issue. McDermott stated that it appears the Parks Co�mnission is split at this time on �vhcther the wetland should be filled or�vhether a dock extension shotild bc pursued. (#11) SUBDIVISIONS A. Hanning Two Lot Subdivision on County Road 6 B. Richie Three Lot Subdivision on Tonkaw� Rond It��as the consensus of the Parks Commission to accept a cash parkland dedication fee. OTHER ISSUES Barb Peterson, City Council Rcpresentative, commented that the half-court basketball court at Crystal Bay Park should be painted. McDermott stated that this item apparently�vas discussed at a mecting�vl�en Gappa�vas not in attendance. White stated that now�vould be a good time to do it. Peterson conunented that the adjoining land sho�ild be purchased from thc City for$1.00 by the Parks Commission. Silber inquired�i�hat the Parks Co�nmission should do regarding attcndance at its meetings, noting that the Parks Commission has not had a quorum the last scvcral mcctings. Van Erickson has submitted a letter of resignation to thc Citv Administrator. Gappa stated he will check��ith the City Administrator regarding thc status of tliis for Council action. McDermott noted that Silber will be attending thc August 9 Cit_y Council meeting. McDern�ott inquired�vhether White�vould be able to attend the August 23 meeting. White indicated that he«�ould be able to attend the August 23 mecting. ADJOURNMENT � Motion by McDermott, second by White,to ad' u� eting at 8:34 p.m. �: A `�1'r-^ � Ai re�v McDcrn�ott, Chair Page 6