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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-07-1999 Park Commission Minutes CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 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 8:17 p.m. Commissioner Van Douglas Erickson and Commissioner Peter Welles were absent. Representing Staff were Public Services Director Greg Gappa and Recorder Jackie Young. Chair McDermott called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m. (#2) APPROVAL OF AUGUST, 1999 MINUTES Wilson moved, Ilse seconded, to approve the Minutes of the Park, Open Space and Trails Commission meeting of August 2, 1999, as submitted. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. (#3) APPROVAL OF JULY, 1999 MINUTES Corrections were made on Pages 4 and 5. Silber moved, Wilson seconded, to approve the Minutes of the Park, Open Space and Trails Commission meeting of July 6, 1999, as amended. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. (#4) APPROVAL OF JUNE, 1999 MINUTES Corrections were made on Page 1. Silber moved, Ilse seconded,to approve the Minutes of the Park, Open Space and Trails Commission meeting of June 7, 1999, as amended. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. (#5) APPROVAL OF MAY, 1999 MINUTES Wilson moved, Silber seconded, to approve the Minutes of the Park, Open Space and Trails Commission meeting of May, 1999, as submitted. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. MEETING REPORTS Silber attended the August 9, 1999 City Council meeting, noting that the City Council was positive regarding the progress being made on the Dakota Rail to Trail project and that the closing on the Saga Hill access was scheduled for August 10, 1999. Gappa stated that the public use survey for Saga Hill has been submitted to the City Administrator, Page 1 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 7, 1999 noting that he has not received a response back. Gappa stated that a concern was expressed regarding the possibility of a ballfield being constructed in this area. Silber commented that the public use survey was very general and did not list a ballfield. McDermott requested that Silber contact the mayor or City Administrator regarding the survey. Gappa stated that construction has not yet commenced on the entry into Saga Hills, noting that the parking lot will be constructed to hold a minimum of 10 cars with room for future expansion. Gappa reported that the work on the Stubbs Bay dock has not yet commenced, noting that they are waiting to obtain a permit from the Minnetonka Watershed District. (#7) PUBLIC COMMENTS None (#8) PARK SIGN PAINTING Gappa stated that the signs have been repainted. Gappa noted that positive comments have been received regarding the relocation of the Navarre sign. McDermott commented that the Spring Park, Welcome to Navarre and French Creek signs need to be repainted. McDermott commented that the repainted signs look good. (#9) CRYSTAL BAY PARK Gappa stated he did receive the fax from McDermott regarding the painting of the basketball court, but that the work has not been completed. Silber commented that she has received a lot of positive feedback on the basketball cou�t. Gappa stated that the Public Works Department hires out its painting and striping work and that this project might not be undertaken until next spring. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/UPDATES (#10) NAVARRE PARK a. Property Survey Gappa stated that a copy of the survey has been included in the Park Commission's packet for tonight's meeting. McDermott inquired whether any calls have been received regarding the survey stakes, noting that a portion of the adjoining property appears to be included in the boundaries outlining the trail. Page 2 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 7, 1999 Gappa commented that he has spoken with the neighbor affected by the proposed trail, who stated that she was in favor of the trail. b. Playground Equipment Design Gappa suggested that the Parks Commission consider play equipment similar to or more elaborate to what exists at Antoine Park. Ilse recommended that Gappa contact Hopkins City Hall to obtain the name of the manufacturer who constructed the equipment located at Shady Oak Beach, noting that the play equipment installed there appeals to a variety of ages. McDermott stated he will meet with Rick Meyers of Navarre to discuss this park further. McDermott requested that Ilse obtain the name of the play equipment manufacturer from Hopkins. McDermott remarked that the people in attendance at the meeting concerning the Navarre Park expressed the view that the fence should only be constructed around the play area with the remainder of the park being kept more open. Gappa commented that he is anticipating $70,000 will need to be budgeted to make the suggested improvements to this park. McDermott inquired which entity was responsible for cleaning of the sidewalks in Navarre. Gappa stated that the business owners clear the snow in front of their businesses as best as possible, with the City being responsible for the cleaning of the sidewalks. McDermott stated that he has received a couple of complaints regarding the amount of gravel on the sidewalks and requested that the City take steps to clean the sidewalks. Gappa remarked that the City does not have a sweeper and that he will look into it. McDermott requested that the Public Works Department also maintain the area around the bus shelter located in Navarre. 11. SEVEN NATIONS NATURAL AREA a. Archeological Survey/Indian Affairs Council McDermott stated that the report issued by the Indian Affairs Council indicates that this site is not considered to be of major historical significance. Silber suggested that this park be acknowledged as an Indian sacred area. Wilson suggested that it could be worded that this was the type of area used by the Indians. McDermott inquired whether the trails have been mowed and the parking lot constructed for this park. Page 3 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 7, 1999 Gappa commented that the whole park has been mowed, along with the trails, with removal of some of the buckthorn in the area. Gappa stated that work on the parking lot cannot be commenced until approval is received by the State Historical Preservation Office. Wilson inquired about the layout of the trails in this area. Gappa stated that the trails will wind through the park, with one of the trails continuing on to Thoroughbred. Gappa commented that the City Council decided to eliminate the money budgeted for trees in this park. Gappa stated that he will review the direction by the City Council to see exactly what items were approved. (#12) SAGA HILL a. Property Survey Gappa stated that the property survey has been completed for this area. b. Boundaries Marked for New Property (Palmer/Church) Silber inquired whether the stakes indicated the center of the road. Gappa commented that to his understanding the stakes represent the middle of the road, with a 20 foot roadway being constructed. Gappa stated the City has a 30 foot easement. Silber commented that she would like to see progress on this park commence as soon as possible. (#13) Crystal Bay Park a. Purchase Land from City McDermott stated that Council Member Peterson had suggested that the Parks Commission consider purchasing the piece of land adjoining Crystal Bay Park from the City for$1.00, as well as expanding the current park. Gappa stated that City crew has cleaned up the area and that a company has been contacted to remove the wells in the area. McDermott commented that the street located in this vicinity would be ideal for an ice skating rink. Ilse suggested that the rink could be utilized year-round, with skating in the winter and such activities as rollerblading in the spring and summer. Ilse stated that there appears to be a good demand for a rollerblading rink. Ilse moved, Silber seconded, to recommend to the Orono City Council that the piece of land adjoining Crystal Bay Park be sold to the Parks Commission for$1.00 and consideration be given to a rollerblading rink. Page 4 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 7, 1999 McDermott suggested that this item be discussed at the workshop with the City Council. Wilson stated she was in favor of obtaining the piece of land but that the use of the land should be given further consideration. Wilson stated in her opinion this is a quiet neighborhood and the use of this land should be more passive. Ilse stated that Council Member Peterson had suggested that this land be obtained and utilized as a hockey rink. Wilson commented that she would be in favor of an ice skating rink but had reservations regarding a hockey rink. Ilse amended her motion to read, the Parks Commission should consider, among other things, a rollerblading/ice rink. Wilson commented that a survey was completed in the past which did indicate a desire for a skating rink. Ilse stated the survey was done approximately six years ago. Ilse clarified that her motion is recommending to the Orono City Council that the adjoining piece of land to the Crystal Bay Park be acquired for$1.00 by the Parks Commission and that this area be given consideration, as well as other activities, for such things as an ice-skating rink, and in particular, a skate park. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 1, Wilson opposed. Wilson stated she is in favor of acquisition of the land and an ice skating rink, but not in favor of a skate board park for this area due to the possible liability to the City and the appropriateness of this activity for the neighborhood. Otherlssues: White stated he attended the August 23, 1999 City Council meeting where it was suggested that the Parks Commission utilize the park dedication fees to acquire additional park land. Wilson noted that the City Council previously was not in favor of acquiring additional land around French Creek. Silber commented that she would be in favor of acquiring additional land. White stated that he would be unable to attend the City Council meeting on September 13, and inquired whether someone would be able to attend in his place. Wilson commented that she might be able to attend on the 13th, and inquired what subject areas should be discussed with the City Council. McDermott suggested that expansion of the Crystal Bay Park be discussed and the desire to vacate the street in that area. Gappa stated the street would need to be vacated in order to make it one contiguous park. Page 5 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 7, 1999 Ilse stated that the March for Parks raised approximately $725.00 this year, and recommended that the money be allocated towards the purchase of recreational equipment or towards the construction of a half-court basketball court at Casco Point. Ilse commented that interest in the Bederwood area for a basketball court is not as high as it has been in previous years. White stated that the Casco Point Park is utilized for informal football and skating. McDermott commented that there is a fair amount of land available in that area which is not currently being utilized. Silber stated she would be in favor of another half-court basketball court. McDermott remarked he also is in favor of another half-court basketball court, but at the present time it is not feasible at Navarre Park and that perhaps consideration should be given to Casco. Wilson commented that the parks in Long Lake are well equipped and provide for a variety of recreational activities. Silber suggested that perhaps the Orono Parks Commission tour the Long Lake parks prior to the next Parks Commission meeting. White recommended that each Parks Commission member tour the Long Lake parks on their own prior to the next meeting. ADJOURNMENT _ � Ilse moved, Wilson seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 8:4��m. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. r(� __.--' a,� �/,�������___ .��� � Andrew McDermott, Chair Page 6