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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-04-1999 Park Commission Minutes CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1999 ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met on the above mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Andrew McDermott, Commissioners Irene Silber, Sherokee Ilse, Susan Wilson, and Van Douglas Erickson. Commissioner Jim White arrived at 7:32 p.m. Representing Staff were Public Services Director Greg Gappa and Recorder Jackie Young. Chair McDermott called the meeting to order at 7:25 p.m. (#2) APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER, 1999 MINUTES Corrections were made on Pages 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6. Silber moved,Wilson seconded, to approve the Minutes of the Parks, Open Space and Trails Commission meeting of September 7, 1999, as amended. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0, Van Douglas Erickson abstained. MEETING REPORTS (#3) SEPTEMBER CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS Wilson stated she attended the September 13, 1999 City Council meeting, and reported that they were asked to allocate some money towards the new hockey arena. Wilson indicated that they were also committed to land acquisition, and have tentatively dedicated $100,000.00 towards the purchase of additional park land in Navarre. Wilson stated that the City Council discussed the Dakota Raif to Trail project, noting that they are contemplating erecting snow fences to prevent snowmobilers from riding on the trail. Gappa stated that the City Council is contemplating erection of the snow fences due to safety concerns. Wilson commented that she informed the City Council that the Parks Commission is interested in purchasing that small parcel of land near Crystal Bay Park. White stated he attended the September 27, 1999 City Council, noting that the Casco Point area was discussed and how the Parks Commission is looking at expanding the use of that park. 4. SEPTEMBER CONSOLIDATION MEETINGS McDermott stated he attended one of the consolidation meetings held in September where certain issues were identified that the general public indicated they would like reviewed, such as taxes, roads, and quality of life. McDermott commented that a number of people commented on the poor Page 1 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 4, 1999 condition of the roads in Orono and Orono's passive parks versus Long Lake's active parks. McDermott stated in his view there seemed to be some hesitancy on the part of the people in attendance at the meeting to merge the two communities. Wilson commented that the consolidation would be a positive step in eliminating some of the duplicated services that are being offered by the two cities, and that the two communities should work together to make a better overall community. McDermott stated that the issue of government representation also appears to be an important issue with the residents of Long Lake and that the Consolidation Committee is looking at the formation of wards to insure equitable representation. Ilse commented that there are sections of Orono where the residents feel they are not being properly represented at all times. McDermott stated that the Consolidation Committee will be holding additional public hearings to keep the residents informed of the consolidation review process. 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS None 6. CRYSTAL BAY PARK a. Basketball Court Line Painting, Status Report Gappa stated that the Public Works Department is considering painting the lines themselves, and that they are attempting to obtain a portable sprayer. Erickson commented that he has a template for the freethrow line and the lane, which could be utilized. Ilse requested that Gappa check to see whether the Public Works Department could paint the basketball court in the near future. Erickson stated if the Public Works Department is unable to paint the lines, perhaps some members of the community would be able to assist in this project. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/UPDATES 7. NAVARRE PARK a. Site Meeting with Neighbors McDermott stated he met with some of the local neighbors in the Navarre area and toured the park to decide what the best location would be for the play area. McDermott remarked that there is approximately a 100 by 80 foot area that would be adequate for the play equipment, noting that the grade of the land prevents a bigger section from being utilized. McDermott commented that a number of trees will be removed due to their deteriorating condition. Page 2 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 4, 1999 Gappa indicated that he informed the City Council that the Parks Commission is considering purchasing play equipment for this park in the neighborhood of$20,000 to $25,000. Gappa stated that the City Council would like to see more public input into this project before the Parks Commission proceeds with further work. Gappa commented that he was unaware of the local neighborhood meeting regarding the park and that he will inform the City Council at their next meeting that there has been some interest shown in this park by the general public. McDermott stated that he has visited the park in Hopkins and taken some photographs depicting the play equipment. Wilson commented that she prefers the combination of the various plantings and the play equipment, noting that the addition of some benches would be a benefit to the park. McDermott inquired whether the Public Works Department could check into the installation of a drinking foundation with a spigot at this park to aid the local volunteers in watering the plants and trees. McDermott stated that he will review the various play equipment layouts and provide some examples to Greg. Wilson commented that the Parks Commission should continue to request that the City Council continue to seriously contemplate improvements to the local parks. Gappa stated that he will need to have a grading plan developed for this park, noting that a retaining wall may be necessary to help preserve some of the trees in the area. McDermott stated that he will draft a plan for this area and submit it to Greg. McDermott commented that the residents were not in favor of a fence along the road, but would like to see a split rail fence along the back property line, with the play area being fenced in. 8. SEVEN NATIONS NATURAL AREA Gappa stated that the archeological study has been submitted to the State Historical Preservation Office for their review and that he is waiting for a letter to be issued indicating that what is being proposed for this area is fine. Wilson inquired whether a parking lot for this park was necessary. Gappa stated that currently there is no place to park because Watertown Road is too narrow to park on. Erickson commented that the neighbors in this area have indicated a desire to have walking trails. Gappa indicated that the trails will connect to Old Crystal Bay. Wilson stated that the Parks Commission should continue to pursue a trail system for this area as well as taking steps to clean the park up to make it more attractive. Page 3 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 4, 1999 9. SAGA HILL a. Public Use Survey Silber stated she has spoken with Mayor Jabbour about the public use survey. Jabbour requested that the public use survey be mailed out after the road is constructed. Silber inquired when the road will be constructed to this area. Gappa stated that the City Council has approved removal of some trees in the area to accommodate the road, noting that an individual has been contracted with to remove the trees in the next few weeks. The Public Works Department will construct the parking lot to accommodate ten cars, with room to expand to twenty cars. Silber commented that in her view a ten car parking lot is a nice size for this park. 10. CASCO POINT ICE RINK McDermott stated that Commissioner White and himself will tour this park in the near future to determine how the area could be better utilized. Silber commented that a basketball court would be a good addition to this park, noting that the ice skating rink is an asset as well. White indicated that Casco Point would not be able to accommodate a half court basketball court without some major renovations. 11. CRYSTAL BAY PARK McDermott stated he has nothing to report on this item. Erickson inquired where the ice skating rink would be constructed in this area. Wilson commented that a decision has not been made regarding the location of the ice skating rink. Ilse stated that an option to consider would be the placement of moveable ramps to enable the ice skating rink to be utilized as a skate boarding rink in the warmer months, noting that there is good interest in a skate boarding rink. Gappa remarked that a public hearing will need to be held if the Parks Commission is interested in vacating the street in that area. McDermott stated that he would like to pursue acquisition of the parcel of land from the City as well as vacation of the street. OTHER ISSUES: Ilse inquired whether a trail system connecting to the Crystal Bay Trail will be constructed on school property. Gappa stated that he has been in contact with the contractor on this project and that there is an agreement to construct a trail in the spring. Page 4 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 4, 1999 October 11 City Council Meeting -Ilse October 25 City Council Meeting - No one assigned. ADJOURNMENT White moved, Ilse seconded, to adjourn tMe itie,e#in at 8:b8 �. . ,���! —� L�t� , , /, ,: < _ C drew M ermott, Chairperson Page 5