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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-01-1999 Park Commission Minutes � ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 1, 1999 (#1) ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met on the above mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Andrew McDermott, Commissioners Sherokee Ilse, Irene Silber, and Jim White. Commissioner Van Douglas Erickson arrived at 7:32 p.m. Commissioners Susan Wilson and Peter Welles were absent. Representing Staff were Public Services Director Greg Gappa and Recorder Jackie Young. City Council Member Charles Ke►ley was present. Chair McDermott called the meeting to order at 7:18 p.m. (#2) APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 4, 1999 MINUTES Corrections were made on Pages 1, 3, and 4. Silber moved, Ilse seconded, to approve the minutes of the Parks, Open Space and Trails Commission meeting of October 4, 1999, as amended. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. MEETING REPORTS (#3) October Council Meetings Ilse stated she attended the October 11, 1999 City Council meeting where it was noted that there has been good public interest in the Navarre Park and several neighborhood meetings have been held regarding the proposed improvements to the park area. McDermott reported he attended the October 25, 1999 City Council meeting where the Dakota Rail to Trail project was discussed. McDermott stated that the deadline for any action to be taken on the railroad has been e�ended 30 days. McDermott commented that the City Council is pursuing purchase of some land in the Navarre area, noting that a purchase agreement has been negotiated with the Larsons. McDermott stated that the City Council is also considering purchasing some adjoining land as well. City Council Representative Kelley indicated it was his understanding the purchase agreement has been executed. (#4) PUBLIC COMMENTS None SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/UPDATES (#5) NAVARRE PARK McDermott stated a third meeting with the neighbors has been held regarding the proposed improvements to the Navarre Park, noting that Sally Keefe, 2216 Shadywood, has volunteered her services to help with this project, especially in selection of the play equipment. Page 1 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 1, 1999 McDermott reviewed his October 30, 1999 memorandum regarding the future plans for renovating the Navarre Park. The following items are proposed for the Fall of 1999: - Remove silver chain link fence along County 19 and Lyric Avenue - Remove, relocate and/or replace Navarre Park sign. - Remove dead and damaged trees and trees that will hinder the development of the playground. Trees to be removed are marked with a red dot. - Trim dead wood from remaining large oaks. - Move or remove the catch basin on Lyric Avenue, fill large depression with topsoil. - Place six inches of topsoil and boulder borders around the three proposed hosta and daylily planting beds. - Clean up and remove buckthorn and other debris along back property line. Gappa inquired whether there was a consensus to remove the chain link fence. McDermott stated that they would like the fence to remain along the property line to the west, with a split rail fence being installed along the rear and a portion of Lyric Avenue. White commented that the proposed improvements to this park seem to be well suited for this area. Silber complemented McDermott on his hard work regarding this park. McDermott stated that they are proposing for the Spring of 2000 that the playground equipment be installed along with placement of a picnic table and benches. The neighbors have indicated a desire to have concrete curbing installed around the playground area, filled with woodchips rather than pea gravel. Ilse recommended that the play equipment appeal to children of all ages, noting that the Shady Oak Park has some excellent play equipment and that perhaps the Parks Commission should review that park. McDermott stated he has had an opportunity to review the Shady Oak Park. McDermott stated other proposed improvements for this park in the year 2000 consist of a concrete sidewalk along County Road 19, installation of a split rail fence along the entire rear property line and along 90 feet of Lyric Avenue, installation of decorative walks, installation of lighting, drinking fountain, and a yard hydrant. In addition, the neighbors would like to see construction of a circular area for planting, a fountain, or a gazebo, a new sign installed, reorientation of two or three parking stalls, crosswalk painted from parking lot to Navarre Park, construction of a planter, and a bike rack installed. Ilse inquired what the budget for this park consists of. Gappa stated that estimates for the play equipment will need to be obtained. Gappa noted that a concrete walkway might be cheaper than the decorative pavers. Erickson expressed a concern that the Parks Commission will go through this process only to have the majority of the proposed improvements be denied by the City Council. McDermott stated that there appears to be good support among the City Council members for this park. Page 2 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 1, 1999 White commented at the City Council meeting he attended it was suggested that the park dedication fees only be used towards acquisition of park land. Council Representative Kelley stated that he would not be opposed to using a portion of the City's surplus towards Navarre Park, noting that the City is using the budget surplus to acquire the land in Navarre. McDermott requested that some preliminary price estimates be assembled for the next Parks meeting as well as commencement of the proposed improvement items for the fall of 1999 by City Staff. (#6) SEVEN NATIONS NATURAL AREA Gappa stated that the City has received the final approval regarding the archeological study. McDermott inquired when work on this park will commence. Gappa remarked that work will probably commence in the spring, noting that the city crew is currently working on the parking lot for Saga Hill. (#7) SAGA HILL McDermott inquired on the progress of the identification of the property lines and boundaries. Gappa stated that the surveyor is having a difficult time locating the corner monuments for this parcel, noting that the property lines have been identified. Gappa stated that it may be necessary to have a full property survey conducted on this piece of property. It was the consensus of the Parks Commission to proceed forward with a property survey to properly identify the boundaries of Saga Hill. Silber stated that the City of Orono has been awarded the Preservation Alliance Award, with the awards banquet scheduled for November 13th. Silber invited the members of the Parks Commission to attend this banquet, noting that Mayor Jabbour is planning to attend. McDermott commented that he has prepared a news article on Saga Hill for publication in the local newspaper. McDermott stated that he hopes this article will generate more interest in this park. (#8) CRYSTAL BAY PARK Gappa reported that the basketball court has been painted. McDermott commented that Council Member Peterson had suggested at a previous Parks Commission meeting that they acquire from the City the land adjoining this park. Gappa stated this item has not been placed on the City Council agenda yet. Page 3 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 1, 1999 Ilse stated that this land would make a good location for an ice skating rink. Council Member Kelley indicated that he probably would not be in support of selling City land due to the fact that land is generally too valuable and should be retained. White commented that the Parks Commission and the City's goals are not incompatible and that this land could be utilized as park land until the City determines that the land is needed for another purpose. NEW BUSINESS (#9) NEW PARK/CITY PROPERTY IN NAVARRE McDermott stated that the Parks Commission will need to arrive at a name for this new property in Navarre. McDermott suggested a neighborhood contest or a write-in could perhaps be utilized in naming this park. McDermott commented that one name previously proposed for the Navarre Park was Capitol Park or Capitol Hill Park as well as Langden Park. Ilse stated the members of the Parks Commission can think about this item. McDermott stated the land acquired in Navarre will not be paid for with park dedication fees at this time. (#10) GRANT MONEY AVAILABLE FOR SHORELINE RESTORATION McDermott reported at the last City Council meeting Lili McMillan had stated there was LMCD money or grant money available that could be utilized for shoreline restoration. Ilse suggested Stubbs Bay as one area that could be targeted for restoration. Gappa commented that Lydiard Beach is another area where the bank is eroding and should be given top priority. Council Member Kelley stated that a restoration project was undertaken around the lake in in Long Lake, and suggested that the members of the Park Commission view that area to see what work was completed. (#11) PARK COMMISSIONERS TERMS TO EXPIRE 10/99 McDermott noted that Commissioners Wilson, Isles and Welles' terms will be expiring in the near future, with Commission Erickson having submitted a letter of resignation from the Parks Commission. McDermott inquired whether Commissioner Wilson has indicated whether she would like to continue her participation on the Parks Commission. Page 4 r y ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 1, 1999 Silber commented to her understanding Wilson has not arrived at a final decision. ilse stated she would like to think about whether she would like to serve another term. McDermott stated that a decision will need to be made before December 1st. McDermott commented that he did give everyone on the Parks Commission a copy of the letter printed in the Lakeshore Weekly, which discussed the need for members of the Excelsior Park Commission to appear regularly at their meetings or be dismissed. Silber commented that it tends to disrupt the continuity of the meetings if one member tends to be absent frequently. Gappa suggested that Welles not be reappointed, noting that he has not appeared at a number of the meetings nor contacted anyone to say that he would not be appearing. Erickson stated that he would be willing to continue to serve on the Parks Commission until new members can be appointed if Wilson and Welles decide not to be reappointed. McDermott stated that his chairman term will be expiring as well at the end of the year, and that the City Council will need to appoint a new chairman. OTHER ISSUES: November City Council Meetings November 8 -McDermott November 22 -Silber Silber requested that the members of the Parks Commission be provided with a monthly financial report for the Park Fund, noting that she is not aware of what currently is in the fund. Gappa stated that there is approximately $150,000 to $160,000 in the Park Fund. McDermott requested that an accounting be given at the next meeting. ADJOURNMENT White moved, Ilse seconded, to adjourn the e ' 8:24 p.m. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. There being no further business to discus g was adjourn at 8:24 p.m. `� And cDermott, Chair Page 5