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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-06-2000 Park Commission Minutes CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, MARCH 6, 2000 (#1) ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met on the above mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Andrew McDermott, Commissioners Jim White, Rick Meyers, Irene Silber and Sherokee Ilse. Representing Staff were Pubiic Services Director Greg Gappa and Recorder Jackie Young. City Council Representative Bob Sansevere arrived at 7:35 p.m. Chair McDermott called the meeting to order at 7:24 p.m. (#2) APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY, 2000 MINUTES Corrections were made on Pages 1 and 2. White moved, Meyers seconded, to approve the Minutes of the Park, Open Space and Trails Commission meeting of February 7, 2000, as amended. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. MEETING REPORTS (#3) FEBRUARY COUNCIL MEETINGS This item was not discussed. (#4) PUBLIC COMMENTS None SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/UPDATES (#5) NAVARRE PARK Council Approval/DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant Proposal McDermott stated the City Council did approve the improvements to the Navarre Park, with the City approving $80,000 worth of improvements to the park. McDermott noted the City Council is supportive of the grant. Sifber commented Orono does qualify for the Outdoor Recreational Grant Program, noting they are weak in some areas. Silber stated the handicap accessibility is one issue that will need to be addressed. Silber indicated the deadline for the grant application is March 31, 2000. McDermott stated the City will pay for preparation of the plans and specs on this park. McDermott stated if the City does not receive the grant, the plans and specs will be developed with $80,000 worth of improvements, and if the grant money is received, they will incorporate another$80,000 worth of improvements into the plan. Page 1 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 6, 2000 Gappa stated the City may need to wait one to two years before constructing a sidewalk to this park, noting state aid will be available for that portion of the project. Other Funding Sources - Lions and MS McDermott stated the bowling alley also has a pull-tab operation, with the proceeds being designated for MS. McDermott stated the Park Commission could consider having a donation box at the Orono Lines. Meyers stated the pull-tab operators can designate what organization they would like the proceeds to be allocated to. ' McDermott suggested the next time a pull-tab license is approved by the City, the City Council should require that 10 percent of the profits be given to the City. 6. SAGA HILL Boundaries/Property Lines/Site Investigation Report Gappa stated they are unable to find one corner monument at this time, but will continue to try to locate the boundaries of the park. Gappa noted the barbed wire fence in that area has been removed. Neighborhood Survey Gappa stated the City Administrator has recommended delaying the neighborhood survey until this fall or winter. 8. PARK MAINTENANCE 8� IMPROVEMENTS, 2000 -2010 McDermott stated the City Council has requested the Parks Commission to develop a 10 year plan of improvements for the local parks. McDermott distributed a list of possible improvements to the parks for review by the Park Commission members. Roberto Lee Antoine Park McDermott stated some of the suggested improvements to this park would be to purchase the adjacent property, install a neighborhood picnic shelter, reactive the ice skating rink, construct a half court basketball, and replace the play equipment in the year 2018, which is approximately 20 years of use. Ilse noted the City has experienced problems with the base leaking on the ice rink in the past, which was one reason why that rink was discontinued. Gappa stated the leaking problem can be corrected by installing a �iner. Gappa stated City water is available at this site. Silber commented that additional landscaping could also be installed at this park, noting a lot of open space currently exists in this area. Silber suggested some additional improvements could be Page 2 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 6, 2000 trails, an ornamental fence to line the park, and a better defined playing field. White suggested a plaque be purchased and mounted at this park giving a brief history of the person for whom the park is named after. Ilse suggested the Park Commission consider plaques for the other parks. Bederwood Ilse stated some landscaping at this park would be a nice addition. Ilse recommended the parking lot be blacktopped in the near future, and suggested straightening the parking lot out with the potential of possibly expanding the lot in the future. McDermott concurred that the parking lot could perhaps be expanded to add room for another row of cars. Ilse inquired whether permanent restroom facilities should be considered. Silber stated this area is not presently sewered. Gappa commented the sewer line is relatively close to this area and that perhaps long-term sewer could be a viable option. Gappa noted this is a highly used park. Ilse stated the accessibility to this park is good. Ilse sugges;ed replacernent of the play equipment, noting the equipment was installed in approximately 1991. McDermott stated the year 2011 would be approximately 20 years after the equipment was installed. Ilse suggested adding a few picnic tables in this park as well as a half court basketball. Silber commented the soccer area could be smoothed out, noting some soccer goals were installed at one time. Gappa stated he is unsure about the whereabouts of the goals but will see if he can locate them. Gappa suggested some additional trails could also be added. Ilse inquired whether the Park Commission has a policy regarding the concession stand. Ilse suggested that perhaps a formal agreement of some type be drafted in the event repairs need to be done on this structure. Ilse stated the use of this structure needs to be better defined as well as where the profits go that are earned from the concession stand. Carman Street Fishing Pier White stated this park is located right off of County Road 15. Gappa stated very few improvements have been done to this park, with very limited parking being available. Casco Point Park White suggested a half-court basketball for this park. Page 3 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 6, 2000 McDermott recommended the boundaries of this park be defined, noting the City owns a substantial amount of land in this area. Gappa stated maps of the local parks do exist, and suggested a map be included in the improvement plan. Silber recommended the boundaries of all parks be marked. Casco Beach White stated a dock exists at this park, which is fairly well used. White commented the parking for this park is limited to three or four stalls. ' Gappa stated accessible paths to this area is a problem due to the hardcover issues that are involved in this area. Meyers recommended providing handicap access to the park. White suggested a three foot path be considered. Casco Point Park White suggested some landscaping be installed in this area. Gappa noted there is a continuing problem in this park with people leaving brush and other debris. Chevy Chase McDermott stated this park is located off of Ferndale in the Chevy Chase development. McDermott stated it appears the City owns two tax-forfeited lots. Silber requested this park be added to the park tour. Gappa stated City crew could perhaps locate the boundaries of the park. Gappa commented at the present time this park is not mowed. Silber suggested a sign be installed for this park. McDermott stated in his opinion there is approximately one acre of park land split between two lots. McDermott stated his suggested improvements for this park include identification of the park boundaries, installation of a sign, installation of a bench, curb cut for accessibility, and installation of a small set of play equipment. Crystal Bay Park McDermott suggested an ice rink for this park as well as replacement of the play equipment in the year 2010. Ilse commented it has been suggested in the past to close off the street in this area to make it one contiguous piece of land. Silber inquired whether there was sufficient room to construct a ballfield in this area. Page 4 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 6, 2000 McDermott stated the open area appears to be 246' by 190'. Gappa stated you need 300' square feet for a ballfield. . Ilse noted the half-court basketball is extremely well used at this park. Silber suggested some picnic facilities be installed at this park. Gappa suggested a trail in this area be constructed. Gappa stated there currently are a couple of picnic tables at this park. Cygnet Park ' McDermott stated this park is located off of Cygnet Place, with a definite need to identify the park boundaries. Gappa commented this park is relatively unimproved. McDermott stated there appears to be a creek running through the park with a number of trees. Gappa stated he is unsure whether this park is even included in the park inventory plan. French Creek Meyers suggested the parking lot be upgraded and well as address issues dealing with handicap access. Meyers inquired whether the City crew mows this park. Gappa stated the City crew does attempt to mow this park. Gappa stated the property lines for this park need to be identified as well. Meyers commented the addition of a couple of benches would be a nice amenity to this park. Meyers inquired whether the Park Commission would be interested in developing an ice skating rink at this park. McDermott stated the neighbors in this area have requested an ice skating rink in this area and have utilized the pond as an informal ice skating rink in the past. Ilse stated there is no city water at this park. Gappa commented it really is not feasible to have an ice skating rink at this park due to the lack of available water and the difficulty to access the pond with city equipment. Hackberry McDermott stated the City should acquire the house adjacent to this park. McDermott noted the City has approached the property owner regarding the possible sale of the adjoining piece of land, who has indicated they might be amenable to selling the land to the City in the future if they decide to move. Meyers suggested asking for the right for first refusal, and suggested the City Administrator approach the property owners about the possibility of selling their land. McDermott stated the City Administrator has approached the property owners in the past, who have indicated they are not interested in selling the land at this time. Page 5 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 6, 2000 Ilse suggested the ballfields be upgraded as well as additional landscaping for this park. Ilse commented the fencing in front of the benches looks nice. . McDermott stated play equipment for this park has been on the list of possible improvements for a couple of years now, and recommended that the play equipment be installed this year or the following year. Highwood Park Silber stated there presently is a large tree limb that has fallen over and is perched over the trail, which will need to be removed as soon as possible. ' Silber stated the parking lot needs to be better defined as well as identify the park boundaries. Silber stated there appears to be some old wood and other items which need to be cleaned up as well. Silber suggested scheduling a neighborhood meeting regarding this park. Silber stated the trails in this area should also be better defined. McDermott stated the Park Commission has discussed a management plan for that park in the past, which should perhaps be pursued. Ilse suggested that perhaps some students from the school could be utilized to help clean up some of the locai parks. Gappa stated he will have City crew clean up the park and will hire a tree service to remove the fallen tree. Lee Carlson Fields McDermott inquired how long the term of the City's lease was for this area. Ilse stated it was her understanding the lease was for 99 years with the School District. Gappa commented it was his understanding the School District was considering the possibility of selling the excessive land in that area. Ilse stated the City needs to identify an area for a community play field, noting she would like to see an area designated as a softball field for girls. Livingston Tower Park McDermott stated this is a small park which is in desperate need of some improvements. McDermott commented this could be turned into a nice little neighborhood park to service the newly constructed townhomes in the area. McDermott stated the sumac and other landscaping in this area is overgrown and needs to be cut down and replaced. McDermott suggested placing this park higher up on the list of priorities. Lydiard Beach McDermott stated this park needs a general face lift as well. Page 6 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 6, 2000 Gappa inquired whether parking exists in this area. McDermott stated there is a limited parking area, with the I.ocal residents parking on the sandy area at the beach. McDermott questioned whether the gate should be opened at all due to the problem with people parking on the sand close to the water's edge. McDermott suggested some posts perhaps be installed to prevent cars from encroaching too close to the shoreline. Gappa suggested the gate be kept closed year-round until the area is improved. Park Lane Fishing Pier McDermott stated he is unsure where this park is located. McDermott noted the City has purchased a dock for this area. Ilse stated she thought this pier was either located off of Tonkawa or Elm. Iise stated this park does not have parking available. Silber suggested this park be added to the park tour as well. Ilse commented the neighbors do utilize this pier for fishing. Gappa stated there really is no room for parking at this pier. Big Island Park McDermott stated there is a section in the middle of Big Island which has been platted as a park. The platted piece is approximately 100' by 600'. Gappa stated he will see if he can find the plat for this area. McDermott suggested the boundaries be identified with possibly a picnic shelter being installed in this area and a seasonal boat dock. McDermott stated access to this area will also need to be acquired. Meyers expressed a concern about establishing a park in this area since this area would be hard to maintain and patrol. Gappa suggested this park be kept fairly low-key. Saga Hill Silber stated since this is a relatively large piece of park land, there are quite a number of options available to the Park Commission. Silber recommended addressing the immediate needs of the park by completing the process of identifying the park boundaries, erecting boundary signs to insure that the neighbors know where the park boundaries are, and deal with the issues relating to the Hennessey property. Silber stated the Park Commission could consider acquiring additional land in this area in order to provide a secondary access into this park. Silber suggested the trail system be expanded and improved, adding trail signs denoting the distance, adding an access trail to Wildhurst, creating an informal play area as well as an active park area and picnic areas. McDermott inquired whether a sign should be installed at this park saying that Saga Hill is a State Historical Park. Page 7 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 6, 2000 Silber stated in her opinion a sign should be erected denoting this as a state historical park. Silber suggested restroom facilities or a satellite be added to this park. Silber stated in her view the City should recognize Palmer in some fashion for assisting the City in gaining access to this park. McDermott commented the City Council or City Administrator was not in favor of recognizing Palmer. Meyers stated in his view Palmer's efforts should be recognized. Gappa stated the City Administrator felt since the City had paid Palmer for his land as well as the ' church, some ill feelings may result if only Palmer were recognized for his efforts in gaining access to this park. Gappa suggested this item could be discussed in a workshop with the City Council. Silber commented as Saga Hill becomes more widely used, the Park Commission could look at other possible improvements. Sandy Beach McDermott stated there was a dock at this location, which was subsequently removed to the adjoining propeRy due to problems with children playing on the dock. Gappa stated sand has been added to this beach periodically. McDermott suggested a sign be erected for this park. ►Ise commented there is a problem with lack of parking in this area. Gappa stated the residents typically park on the street. Seven Nations Park McDermott recommended City crew continue to clean up this area. Gappa stated City crew has been taking steps to clean up this area, with some minor money being spent on the parking lot. Gappa stated a picnic table and some benches have been added to this park. Silber stated in her view the Park Commission should leave Seven Nations as is for a while. Ilse stated in her view some improvements should be made to this park, and recommended creating the parking lot for this park. Ilse commented some natural benches for this park would be a nice addition. Gappa stated the plan for this park was approved in 1998. Gappa noted the shed which was encroaching on the City's property has been removed off of City property, and recommended that some fencing or screening be installed in this area by the shed. Ilse stated the neighbors were in favor of the plan and would like to see this park improved. Ilse requested this park be put higher on the list of priorities. Summit Beach Page 8 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 6, 2000 Silber stated she liked the suggestions listed by McDermott. Silber stated in her view this area could be utilized better, noting the trail is somewhat isolated. McDermott commented it would be nice to have some play equipment in this area as well. Ilse stated in her view this park could use some additional fill to help eliminate some of the wetness. Stubbs Bay Road - Fishing Ilse stated parking is a problem in this area, and expressed safety concerns due to the fact that the road is too narrow to allow a car to make a right turn safely. Ilse suggested the City consider making this area no parking or enlargen the roadway. Gappa suggested perhaps some curbing could be installed to help designate the roadway. Gappa noted there is only room for one or two cars to park by the lift station. Ilse stated there really is only room for one car to park in this area due to cars cutting the corner. Ilse suggested the City consider allowing parking for only one car in this area or erect no parking signs. List of Improvements McDermott stated he will incorporate the commissioner's comments into the long-term plan for park maintenance and improvements for review by the Park Commission at their next meeting. McDermott inquired whether the plan should be presented to the City Council for their approval or whether this item should be discussed in a workshop setting. Gappa suggested the information be given to the City Council members for their review prior to the City Council meeting. Gappa stated an overall park plan is necessary as part of the City's Comprehensive Plan. Gappa stated some dollar amounts will also need to be assigned to the various maintenance and improvement items. Gappa stated he could perhaps put together some type of maintenance schedule on the various parks incorporating the recommendations of the Park Commission. (Commissioner White leaves at 9:30 p.m.) NEW BUSINESS 9. SITE PLAN 6TH AND WILLOW DEVELOPMENT McDermott inquired whether any of the Commissioners had any concerns regarding the proposed trails for this development. Gappa stated the developer for this development will be constructing the trails prior to any residences being built. McDermott stated he has spoken with the City Administrator regarding the trail from the townhome development to County Road 15, which has not yet occurred. McDermott stated he is unsure whether the trails will be able to be constructed due to the grading that has occurred in this area. The City Administrator has indicated he will look into the situation. Page 9 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 6, 2000 10. PARK COMMISSION RECOGNITION McDermott stated in his opinion some recognition should be given to former Park Commission members for their years of service, and suggested that a plaque be hung in the City Hall lobby listing the names of the past Park Commission members and their years of service. McDermott stated he will look into the cost of purchasing a plaque and having the names engraved. McDermott inquired whether any of the present Park Commission members are aware of any names that may be missing from the list of past members. McDermott noted the Park Commission was established in 1964. Ilse stated Diann Goetten's name is not on the list. OTHER ISSUES: March Council Meetings March 13, 2000 - Meyers Silber stated since the public hearing for the Navarre Park is scheduled for the March 27, 2000 City Council meeting, all members of the Park Commission should attempt to attend this meeting. McDermott indicated he was in agreement that all Park Commission members should try to attend this meeting. 7. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OUTLINE FOR PARKS, OPEN SPACES 8� TRAILS Preliminary Outline for this Section McDermott stated the City Administrator has provided him with sections of the Comprehensive Plan for comment by the Park Commission. Gappa stated the City would like to have the Comprehensive Plan completed by the end of March. McDermott stated most of the information in response to the questions raised by the City Administrator is currently reflected in the Comprehensive Plan. McDermott stated one area that is missing in the City's Comprehensive Plan that should probably be added is a community play field. McDermott stated the City was looking at a piece of property which was previously utilized as a landfill. Gappa commented the City did hold several meetings where this item was discussed. Gappa noted the owner of the Dog House has right to first refusal on this property. Ilse suggested the City of Independence be approached about possibly setting aside some land for a community ballfield. McDermott stated the City needs to address this issue further. McDermott noted he has met with the City Administrator regarding the possibility of constructing trails along the new Highway 12 corridor. McDermott inquired whether Silber was aware of any grants that may be available for this project. Silber stated she will check into the possibility of obtaining a grant to construct the trails. Page 10 ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 6, 2000 OTHER ISSUES, CONTINUED Ilse stated she was contacted by Peter Meyer regarding the annual March for Parks event who inquired whether the City of Orono wouid be interested in participating in this event this year. Ilse commented she would be able to help with the event but is not able to chair the event this year. Silber commented the City simply does not have the volunteer structure that is needed to make this event a success. McDermott stated due to the lack of available staff and volunteers needed for this event, Orono will have to respectfully decline. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Ilse, second by Silber, to adjourn the meeting at 9:48 p.m. Andrew McDermott, Chair Page 11