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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-03-2000 Park Commission Minutes CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 2000 ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met on the above mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Andrew McDermott, Commissioners Irene Silber, Sherokee Ilse, Jim White, and Rick Meyers. Representing Staff were Public Services Director Greg Gappa and Recorder Jackie Young. City Council Representative Barbara Peterson was present. Chair McDermott called the meeting to order at 7:22 p.m. (#2) APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JANUARY 3, 2000 Silber moved, Wilson seconded, to approve the Minutes of the Parks, Open Space and Trails Commission meeting of December 6, 1999, as submitted. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. MEETING REPORTS (#3) December Council Meetings Silber stated she attended the December 13, 1999 City Council meeting, at which time the members of the Saga Hill Preservation Society presented the City with the Preservation Alliance Award recently received in honor of the community's efforts at preserving the natural environment within the City of Orono. Silber commented the members in the audience appeared to be impressed with the award, noting in her view this award should help make the general public more aware of the efforts of the Park Commission. Silber stated the development proposed for Willow and County Road 6 was approved at the City Council meeting. 4. Public Comments None SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/UPDATES 5. Navarre Park Other Funding Meyers stated he has spoken with the owner's wife of Jimmie's Lounge and their attorney, who expressed some interest in the possibility of generating funds for the local parks from the profits generated from the pull tabs sold at their establishment. Meyers stated currently the Hockey Association has a box set up to collect proceeds at this site as well as a box Page 1 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR JANUARY 3, 2000 for the Muscle Dystrophy Association. Meyers commented there is a possibility of having a box set up for the parks at this establishment. Meyers stated he will continue to pursue this possible source of funding. Meyers stated the City may also be eligible to receive ten percent of the proceeds generated from the pull tabs. Peterson stated she is unaware of the City receiving any money from pull tabs at this time. Meyers requested City Staff look into the possibility of the City receiving a certain percentage from the operation of pull tabs. Grant Possibilities Silber stated she is aware of two possible options for grants the City may wish to pursue; one being through the Metropolitan Council and the other being through the DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant Program. Silber commented Orono may not be eligible for the Metropolitan Council grant, but would be eligible for the DNR grant program. Silber indicated the deadline for the grant is March 31, 2000. Silber suggested the Park Commission consider adding certain items to the plan for the Navarre Park, such as a picnic shelter or gazebo, and if the grant monies are not obtained, the City could elect not to purchase those items. Meyers commented in his view the City should apply for the grant. McDermott inquired whether anyone on City Staff typically writes grants. Gappa stated the prior grant was written by some of the members of the Saga Hill Society along with the City Administrator. Silber stated typically a survey and an appraisal is required as part of the grant application, noting she would be willing to write the narrative portion of the DNR grant. Meyers inquired what the Metropolitan Council's Livable Community Fund is. McDermott stated it is a grant available to communities within Hennepin County. White stated the City of Orono would need to pass a resolution supporting affordable housing in this area, which the City of Orono is not opposed to, but the City would probably not score the necessary points as it relates to different types of housing in order to be eligible for the grant monies. Meyers suggested the City take an overall view of the entire community as it relates to housing and parks. Gappa suggested that perhaps this could be included in the City's Comprehensive Plan, noting that City Staff has scheduled several work sessions to discuss the Comprehensive Plan. Meyers recommended pursuing the grant monies. McDermott commented the possibility of obtaining grant monies be included in the Park Commission's proposal as it relates to the Navarre Park. Silber noted the grants typically require matching funds from the City. Silber stated if the City Page 2 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR JANUARY 3, 2000 does receive a grant, it is not obligated to take the entire grant amount if they are not interested in matching those funds. Gappa inquired if Silber was aware how much money was available through the grant program. Silber stated she does not have that information at this time, but will continue to pursue this item. Updated Estimates Gappa stated the land recently acquired by the City in Navarre was paid one-half out of the general fund and one-half out of the Park Fund. McDermott noted on page one of Gappa's January 10, 2000 memorandum under the item Neighborhood Concept Plan, there was one resident in attendance at the meeting to discuss this item. Meyers commented the Saturday morning meetings with the Mayor were attended by a number of Navarre residents who expressed their desires and comments regarding the Navarre Park as well as a number of other issues. Meyers stated in his view the residents of Navarre feel this park has been discussed for quite some time and that the City now needs to follow through and make the necessary improvements. McDermott stated the concern expressed under the item playground equipment options came from Sally O'Keefe of Navarre who had indicated that the younger children should have some play equipment available for their use to avoid any possible conflicts with the older children. Ilse commented it was her opinion the Park Commission has attempted in the past to try to provide play equipment that could be utilized by both the younger and older children of the community. McDermott stated the boat illustrated in the plan is intended for use by younger children, with the other play structure being designed for the older children. The Park Commission reviewed the cost estimates for the Navarre Park as outlined in Gappa's January 10, 2000 memorandum. Gappa pointed out that wood chips tend to be more expensive than pea gravel, and use of pea gravel would result in an approximate savings of$3,500. Gappa commented the under-drainage system would also be less expensive should the Park Commission elect to use pea gravel versus the wood chips and requires less future maintenance. Gappa stated one advantage to the wood chips is the fact that it would provide better accessibility for disabled persons, as it is possible to travel across this surface in a wheelchair. One disadvantage to pea gravel is the tendency for young children to throw it. It was the consensus of the Park Commission that they would prefer to have two separate play modules for the Navarre Park. It was the consensus of the Park Commission to utilize wood chips under the play structures versus the pea gravel. The members of the Park Commission indicated if the City Council wishes to reduce the costs for the park, they would rather have more money allocated towards the purchase of play equipment and would be willing to substitute pea gravel for the wood chips in an effort to lower the costs. Page 3 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR JANUARY 3, 2000 Meyers indicated he would be able to line up some volunteers who would be willing to help construct the boulder borders as well as the planting beds, noting that they would need the City to haul the top soil in. McDermott commented City Staff could haul in the top soil and perform the necessary grading on the site, with the local residents constructing the boulder borders and the planting beds. McDermott stated as it relates to the walkway and trail, the Parks Commission is in support of a sidewalk to the railroad tracks. Gappa indicated state funding would be available to help construct the sidewalk, which would help keep pedestrians off the roadway. Meyers commented the sidewalk and retaining wall would make a very attractive entryway into the Navarre area and would make it a more pedestrian-friendly city. Meyers stated in his opinion this sidewalk and trail system should be included in the City's comprehensive plan. Gappa indicated the City may not be able to construct the sidewalk for approximately one more year, but noted once constructed, would provide for safer pedestrian travel from the north to the park and the commercial area for the neighborhood residents. Gappa pointed out the trail through the park would not be maintained during the winter due to a lack of equipment and the fact that the trails tend to last longer if they are not plowed during the winter. McDermott inquired whether the City would need to acquire any easements for the sidewalk. Gappa stated he would need to review the situation to see if the City currently has any easements in this area. Gappa remarked the City could possibly be reimbursed for the easements as part of the state aid for the sidewalk. Meyers indicated he would be willing to delay construction of the sidewalk to see if the City is able to obtain state funding for this project. It was the consensus of the Park Commission to delay construction of the sidewalk along County Road 19 to see if the City is eligible to receive state funding for this project. Gappa pointed out City Staff is recommending that bituminous trails be constructed instead of limestone trails. Gappa stated bituminous trails require less maintenance and would provide better access for the disabled. The cost difference is approximately $5,500 between the two surfaces. McDermott commented the drinking fountain would probably need to be eliminated due to the costs involved. Gappa stated the costs for the drinking fountain would be approximately $5,600. McDermott stated he will see whether he can obtain a lower price for the drinking fountain. It was the consensus of the Park Commission that they would like to see a drinking fountain installed at this park. McDermott suggested keeping the water fountain in the plan to see whether the City Council would be willing to approve that item. Page 4 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR JANUARY 3, 20d0 McDermott commented the lighting for the park has been eliminated due to the costs involved. McDermott suggested at the time the lighting for the parking lot across the street is installed, the lights could perhaps be installed to shine towards the park somewhat. McDermott noted the lighting along the pathways would be approximately $15,000, which is too costly. McDermott requested Gappa rewrite the plan incorporating the Park Commission's comments relating to the various items for review at their next meeting. Gappa stated the plan should be ready for review by the City Council at their February meeting. City Council Representative Peterson stated the City Council should be made aware of the neighborhood support for this project. 6. Saga Hill Boundaries/Property lines, additional survey work 8 signs - cost proposal Gappa stated the Public Works Department has been working on locating the boundary lines for this area. Gappa noted not all the property lines have been located at this time. Silber commented that someone has erected a barbed wire fence in this area. Silber stated this fence may need to be removed if it is not located on the property line. Gappa stated he will look into the barbed wire fence. Silber stated the parking lot and road looks fantastic, noting that people have been using the trails for walking and skiing this winter. Silber commented the parking lot is well hidden from the adjoining properties, with only one curb cut being visible into the park. McDermott stated there has been some discussion about erecting a street sign denoting the road as Palmer Way or Palmer Drive, and that this item should be brought up at the next City Council meeting. Gappa noted that City Council approval would be needed before a street sign can be erected. Silber suggested dedicating the road at the next Park Commission park tour. Meyers suggested having a small ribbon cutting ceremony. Gappa stated the Public Works Department will continue to work on locating the property lines. Gappa stated signs will eventually be erected along the property lines indicating that it is park property. Silber stated once the park boundaries are located, the existing paths will need to be identified to see whether they should be relocated or additional trails added. McDermott inquired whether the Park Commission is still going to pursue the citizen survey regarding what activities they would like to see for this park. Gappa stated that perhaps the survey could be included in the next City Council packet for their review and comment. Page 5 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR JANUARY 3, 2000 7. Dakota Rail McDermott stated in the upcoming weeks, possibly January 9th, the Mayor, Dick Flint, and Peter Johnson will be meeting with a state-run organization or group in charge of trails in an attempt to formulate a puchase agreement and/or obtain state funding to enable the cities to purchase the Dakota Rail. McDermott stated the City has not approached this group in the past and are looking for their support. Silber commented acquisition of the Dakota Rail would be a good asset to the community. McDermott stated Mound is informally supporting the project, with Minnetonka Beach being uncommitted at this time. McDermott noted that Orono is in support of acquiring this railroad line. Meyers commented once people are made aware of what the City is proposing in place of this railroad line, in his view the residents will be supportative of the project. Meyers stated it is his understanding the railroad line has passed state inspection, but due to the large number of derailments and incidents that have occurred on this line, in his opinion the railroad line should be subject to closer inspection by the state. Meyers stated if the railroad continues to own this line for another seven years, they would be free to sell it to any interested buyer. Council Member Peterson inquired whether the City has any obligation to maintain any of the railroad crossings. Gappa stated it is his understanding the railroad is responsible for maintaining the crossings. Gappa stated the City can approach the railroad about improving the crossings. Meyers stated he would be interested in approaching the private group who organizes the bike ride in the Lake Minnetonka area regarding the Dakota Rail to Trail project to gain their input. Meyers stated he will attempt to contact the chair of that group to see whether they would be interested in a presentation. NEW BUSINESS 8. Summit Beach Canoe Racks McDermott stated at the time the canoe racks were installed, it was decided that the people utilizing the racks were to apply to the City for a permit to store their canoes. McDermott inquired whether anyone has applied for that permit. Gappa stated the City has received some annual requests for permits from a couple of residents about storing their canoes over the winter on the racks. Gappa noted to date there has not been a shortage of space available on the canoe racks. McDermott inquired whether the City incurs any liability for the canoes while they are being stored on the racks. Gappa stated as part of the permit the applicant indemnifies the City from any liability, noting the applicant must provide evidence to the City that they have their own insurance coverage on the canoe. Gappa stated the racks are available to Orono residents first. Typically the City receives two or three permit requests per year for the canoe racks. Page 6 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR JANUARY 3, 2000 9. Highway 12/City of Long lake Trail Philosophy 8� Parks McDermott stated he has spoken with Gappa about the possibility of constructing a better shoulder along Spring Hill Road. McDermott noted a new gas line has been installed along the north side of the road. McDermott inquired whether Gappa has had an opportunity to review the situation. Gappa stated he has not looked at the area yet. McDermott stated the trail in this area is currently identified in the City's bike/trail plan. McDermott remarked a four foot shoulder in this area would be good due to the narrowness of the road. Gappa commented it was his understanding a trail might have existed in that area at one time. Gappa stated City Staff could probably construct a small shoulder in that area. Gappa stated Staff is hoping to have some wood chips placed on the trail at the golf course. McDermott inquired what progress has been made on the trail proposed for the north side of County Road 6. Gappa stated the wood chips that were placed on the trail have washed away, with the County not being interested in any trail crossings in this location. McDermott stated he has spoken with the Park Commissioner for the City of Long Lake about the future plans for Holbrook Park. McDermott indicated a couple of adjacent property owners had stated they would be willing to sell their property to the City for expansion of the park if they can be relocated in the Long Lake area. McDermott commented while Long Lake has ample trails along Highway 12, Orono is lacking in this area. Mn/DOT has agreed to coordinate a system of bike trails along the new Highway 12 corridor similar to what has been constructed in Long Lake. McDermott stated the grading will probably be done by Mn/DOT, with the City of Orono being responsible for the rest. McDermott commented he would personally like to see Orono's trail start where Long Lake's trail ends, with continuation of the trail down to Old Crystal Bay Road to enable the trails to link up to the north/south trails going to the park and down to the Luce Line. The Park Commission reviewed the proposed design plan for the new Highway 12 corridor. Ilse inquired how the trails will be able to cross Highway 12. Ilse stated she would like to see the trails extend across to County Road 6 and Baker Road. McDermott stated he will need to discuss this item further at the next Highway 12 Design Review Committee meeting. It was the consensus of the Park Commission that the priorities for a trail along the new Highway 12 corridor be as follows: 1) Old Crystal Bay Road; 2) Stubbs Bay Road; 3) County Road 6. 10. Start thinking about your assigned parks and proposed improvements McDermott stated the City Council will need to appoint some new representatives to the Park Commission. McDermott inquired if the Commissioners were aware of any possible candidates to Page 7 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR JANUARY 3, 2000 fill the vacancies. White suggested each Commissioner attempt to find a candidate for the Park Commission, noting that representation from each section of the City is desirable. Meyers suggested placing an ad in the newspaper advertising for candidates for the Park Commission specifically identifying the geographical areas where there is currently a lack of representation. City Council Representative Peterson stated the City typically puts a general ad in the newspaper advertising the vacancies. Gappa stated he will place an ad in the newspaper in the next couple of days. 11. Larson Property Survey with contours Develop Concept Plan McDermott inquired what the Park Commission has in mind for the recently acquired Larson property. Gappa distributed a map illustrating the location of the land, noting the City is hoping to acquire the land located to the east of this parcel. Gappa stated the parcel is 140 feet wide. Meyers inquired whether the building situated on the property could be removed, with the empty lot then being utilized as an overflow parking area for boat trailers with the City charging a small fee for use of the lot. Gappa stated this area may be zoned residential. McDermott inquired when the City plans to remove the existing buildings. Gappa stated that item has not been discussed to his knowledge. Gappa stated he will talk to the City Administrator about this item. Meyers suggested the City contemplate utilizing this lot in some fashion until the City is ready to make the necessary improvements to create a park in this area. Otherlssues: January Council Meetings January 10, 2000 - White January 24, 2000 - Ilse White indicated he will contact McDermott in the event he is unable to attend the January 10th meeting. Ilse inquired how long the Golf Course warming house will be open. Ilse suggested an ad be placed in the newspaper to inform the public of the hours the warming house will be open. Gappa stated the warming house is typically open through the end of February depending on the Page 8 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR JANUARY 3, 2000 weather. Ilse requested a press release be prepared in the event it snows. ADJOURNMENT - Ilse moved, White seconded, to adjou ing at :27 p.m. A ew Mc rmott, Chairperson Page 9