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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-04-1999 Park Commission Minutes ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR DECEMBER 6, 1999 (#1) ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met on the above mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Andrew McDermott, Commissioners Susan Wilson, Irene Silber, Jim White, and Rick Meyers. Commissioner Sherokee Ilse was absent. Representing Staff were Public Services Director Greg Gappa and Recorder Jackie Young. Chair McDermott called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. (#2) APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER, 1999 MINUTES Corrections were made on Pages 2, 3, 4, and 5. Motion by White, second by Silber, to approve the minutes of the Parks, Open Space, and Trails Commission meeting of November 1, 1999, as amended. VOTE: Ayes 3-0-1, Wilson Abstained. MEETING REPORTS (#3) November Council Meetings Silber stated she attended the November 22, 1999 City Council meeting, where two candidates were interviewed for appointment to the Parks Commission. Silber commented that the other candidate was from the Casco Point area, and suggested that he be solicited to become a friend of the Casco Point Park. Silber indicated she thanked the City Councif for their support on the Navarre Park. McDermott stated that Peter Johnson discussed the Dakota Rail to Trail project at the meeting. White commented that Rail America has indicated they intend to keep operating the railroad line indefinitely. McDermott stated they are still in need of a substantial amount of money to repair the railroad line. McDermott remarked that Rail America has entered into an agreement to haul fuel oil on the railroad line. Wilson recommended that the Parks Commission continue to support the Dakota ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR DECEMBER 6, 1999 Rail to Trail project. Meyers commented that the railroad has recently experienced an incident where the train went off the tracks, noting that he took photographs of the scene and will be submitting them to the newspaper office. Meyers stated if a railroad car stays upright but leaves the tracks, it is not considered a derailment but merely an incident. Meyers indicated that type of incident has occurred numerous times on this railroad line. Wilson commented that the local press should be made aware of this situation, and recommended that a record be kept of the number of incidents that do occur on this line. McDermott stated the newspaper article was a little misleading, noting that the City of Orono is still very interested in pursuing this project, with Minnetonka Beach being uncommitted to the project at this time. (#4) PUBLIC COMMENTS None (#5) WELCOME NEW COMMISSIONER, RICK MEYERS Meyers introduced himself to the members of the Parks Commission, noting that he has had an active interest in the local neighborhood parks for most of his life. Meyers indicated that while he did obtain a college degree in planning, he ended up in law enforcement, working for the Hennepin County Sheriff's Department for the past 22 years. Meyers stated he became involved in designing the Cedar Lake Bike Trail, the Lake Minnehaha Park, as well as other projects while he resided in the Minneapolis area. Since moving to the Navarre area, Meyers indicated he has become active in the Dakota Rail to Trail project and has a personat interest in improving the Navarre Park, which in his view could become a focal point for the community. Meyers stated overall he would like to see a good quality park system for all the residents of Orono. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/UPDATES Item # 6 was discussed after Item #11. (#7) Saga Hill Page 2 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR DECEMBER 6, 1999 Gappa stated the driveway and parking lot have been constructed for this park, noting that he has received a number of positive comments regarding the park. Silber commented that the parking lot and driveway were nicely laid out. Preservation Alliance Award Silber commented the City of Orono was presented with the Preservation Alliance Award, which will be given to the City at the December 13 City Council meeting. Wilson commended the Saga Hill Society and neighborhood for their wonderful efforts on this project. (#8) Dakota Rail McDermott stated this item was discussed under Item #3. NEW BUSINESS (#9) Winter Recreation Schedule Gappa stated that the warming house will be staffed following the holidays, noting that the facility will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Gappa commented that the facility will not be open during the holiday season due to a shortage of people available to staff the club house. (#10) Park, Open Space & Trail Dedication Fee Balance for 1999 (#11) Park, Open Space 8� Trail City Funded Budget Account Balance for 1999 The Parks Commission reviewed a financial statement for the Park Fund. Gappa noted that the amount available in the Park Fund at the present time is $181,597, with total revenues generated for the year 1999 being approximately $253,000. Gappa stated that the majority of the improvements to the parks is paid for out of the Park Fund. Gappa noted that $5,000 has been allocated towards the Park Fund out of the General Fund for the year 2000. Gappa stated that the Park Fund will be credited approximately $80,000, which is one-half of the purchase price, for the park land recently acquired in Navarre. Wilson suggested that the City Council be approached about other possible sources of revenue for the Park Fund. Meyers inquired whether the profits from pull tabs could be allocated towards the Park Fund. Page 3 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR DECEMBER 6, 1999 Gappa stated this item has been discussed in the past. Gappa commented that the Navarre Park could use a revenue source of some type. McDermott indicated he would discuss this item with the Mayor. McDermott inquired whether Silber was aware of any grants that could be obtained to help offset the costs for park improvements. Silber commented there are grant monies available and that she would be willing to look into them further. Silber inquired whether Urban Redevelopment Funds could be utilized for park improvements. White stated that Urban Redevelopment Funds are not able to be used towards park improvements. Silber stated the City Council could be approached to see whether they would be willing to provide matching funds. Silber remarked that most private foundations like to see the general community come up with a sufficient amount of the funds needed before they are willing to provide funds. Meyers indicated there may be some individuals who would be willing to donate time and/or materials towards the Navarre Park, but it is unlikely that the Navarre area will be able to raise a substantial amount of money towards the project. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/UPDATES (#6) Navarre Park Gappa stated Bonestroo has submitted a concept plan and preliminary cost estimates for the Navarre Park, noting that the total cost for the project, without the play equipment, is approximately $190,000. Gappa stated Plan A, which includes the preschool boat structure and installation, costs $52,000. Plan B, which is the play equipment without the boat, costs $41,000. Wilson commented in the past the Parks Commission has kept the cost of the play equipment around $25,000. Gappa stated the play equipment has normally costed around $25,000, with the grading, pea gravel, curbing and other miscellanous items adding to the cost. The Parks Commission reviewed the plans for the playground equipment. Wilson commented in her view some play equipment should be provided for the preschool children. Gappa stated some of the other costs submitted by Bonestroo include demolition, grading, Page 4 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR DECEMBER 6, 1999 playground area preparation, trails, fencing, lighting and water. Silber suggested some of the local residents be solicited to see whether they would be interested in donating labor or materials towards this project. McDermott stated in his view water to this park would be an asset to assist in watering of the shrubs and trees. Silber stated she was in agreement with the need for a hydrant and drinking fountain. Wilson remarked fencing is needed for the young children. Wilson suggested that a list of priorities be established for this park. McDermott suggested that a water faucet be installed at this park, with a drinking fountain in the future. It was the consensus of the Parks Commission that a water faucet and drinking fountain at this park is desired. Silber suggested that the Parks Commission purchase play equipment for this park, have a drinking fountain installed, and to construct a trail to this park. McDermott stated the Parks Commission is looking at spending $5,000 to $6,000 for a trail to this park and $10,000 for site preparation. McDermott suggested that the Commission attempt to limit the improvements costs for this park to between $75,000 and $80,000 for the first year. Meyers stated he would like to see a nice attractive park for the children in the area. Meyers commented he might be able to solicit some people to donate some plantings for this park. Meyers indicated he is also familiar with a person who might be willing to donate the grading work on this park. It was the consensus of the Parks Commission to purchase play equipment for this park and to have a trail constructed to the park as well as installation of water. Wilson commented that the City Council is concerned about safety issues, and inquired whether a fence should be installed. Wilson suggested that the estimates from Bonestroo be given to the City Council for their review, along with a reduced budget for this park, and to establish different priorities to be completed in phases. Meyers stated that a sign is also needed for this park. McDermott stated he will get together with Meyers to arrive at a list of priorities for this park for review by the Parks Commission at their January meeting. Motion by Silber, second by White, to request that McDermott and Meyers revise the budget for the Navarre Park to arrive at a minimum budget for Phase 1 of this project, with a request for that amount being presented to the City Council for Page 5 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR DECEMBER 6, 1999 their review and approval. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. OTHER ISSUES: White inquired whether Wilson would like to have a tree planted in her honor at one of the local parks for her years of service on the Parks Commission. Wilson stated she would like to have a tree planted at French Creek Park. Wilson stated she will send a letter to the City Administrator stipulating the type of tree she would like to have planted. McDermott thanked Wilson for her many years of service on the Parks Commission. December City Council Meeting December 13 - Silber (#12) ASSIGNED PARKS McDermott stated he will review the parks for reassignment to the Parks Commission members. Silber recommended that the Park members find some residents that would be interested in serving on the Parks Commission. White commented that a resident from the northern section of Orono is needed for the Parks Commission. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss, the �n ed at 8:51 p.m. � �,. c ermott, Chair Page 6