HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-03-2000 Park Commission Minutes . CITY OF ORONO
PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING
MONDAY,APRIL 3, 2000
(#1) ATTENDANCE
:
The Park Commission met on the above mentioned date with the follo�ving members present:
Chair Andrew McDermott, Commissioners Pauline Bouchard, Debora Halvorson, Rick Meyers,
Irene Silber, Jim White, and Cherokee Ilse. Representing Staffwere Public Services
Director Greg Gappa and Recorder Jackie Young. City Council Representative Charles Kelley
was present.
Chair McDermott called the meeting to order at 7:1� p.m.
(#2) APPROVAL OF MARCH 6, 2000 MINUTES
Changes were made on Pages 3 and 7.
White moved, Meyers seconded, to approve the Minutes of the Park, Open Space and
Trails Commission meeting of March 6, 2000, as amended. VOTE: Ayes 7, Nays 0.
MEETING REPORTS
(#5) Welcome to New Members
Debora Halvorson and Pauline Bouchard introduced themselves to the members of the Park
Commission.
Chair McDermott welcomed the new members.
Gappa stated he will provide an updated member list to each Commissioner.
(#3) MARCH COUNCIL MEETINGS
Meyers indicated he attended the March 13, 2000 City Council mecting, where he gave a brief
update on the Navarre Park. Meyers statcd he raised the possibility of vacating the road near
Crystal Bay Park, obtaining a lctter agreement for Hackberry Park, and gaining access to
Lo�vry Woods. Meyers indicated the City Council was supportive of the Park Commission's
goals for the upcoming years.
Meyers stated the City Administrator has indicated he will approach the property owner adjacent
to Hackberry Park about the City obtaining first right of refusal.
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Gappa stated�he City Attorney has been contacted regarding this and will be drafting something
up in the near future.
Silber indicated she attended the March 27, 2000 City Council meeting. Silber stated the public
hearing on the Navarre Park was held at this meeting, ���ith no local residents ofFering any
comment regarding the proposed project. Silber stated the grant has now been submitted to the �
DNR, with the City Council expressing support of the grant application. Silber stated the City
Council did indicate that if the grant is not received, the Park Commission�vill only be able to
spend approximately$80,000 on the improvements.
(#4) PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/UPDATES
(#6) NAVARRE PARK
Meyers indicated it�vas his understanding that the City�vould assume the costs of doing thc
plans and specifications for this park as �•ell as the preliminary site preparation work, «-ith the
$80,000 being allocated to�vards the other proposed improvements.
Silber commented the City can be a�varded any dollar amount by the DNR on the grant
application and not just�vhat is being requested by the City.
(#7) DAKOTA RAIL
Meyers indicated he is on the ad hoc committee for the Dakota Rail to Trail, noting the railroad
currently is for sale. Meyers stated the Committee is actively pursuing this project as much as
possible, with Hennepin Parks e�pressing interest in managing or leasing the railroad line from
Rail America.
Gappa stated McCloud County is actually the fee title o«mer to the land, «-ith Rail America having
an operating contract for this railroad line.
McDermott stated it�vas his understanding Rail America can only sell thc railroad to a part��
interested in continuing thc operation of the railroad or as a transportation corridor.
Meyers stated Mn/DOT has indicated they are interested in keeping this railroad line operating
as a railroad.
McDermott remarked in order for a railroad line to be abandoned, it must meet�vith l�in/DOT
approval. McDermott stated this line is identified on Mn/DOT's comprehensive plan as a
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comdor for a�uture light transit line.
Meyers inquired what entity would be responsible for the costs incurred in removing the railroad
line and making the conidor a trail.
McDermott stated it was his understanding Hennepin Parks would assume that responsibility,
with the City of Orono not expressing an interest at this time in contributing financially towards :
this project.
Meyers commented he will continue to pursue this project.
(#8) SAGA HILL
Gappa stated it was his understanding the Park Commission had decided to see how the crushed
rock worked in this area before going with an asphalt parking lot and road. Gappa stated a good
base currently exists for the parking lot, with a crushed rock parking lot appearing more natural.
Gappa noted the other parks in Orono currently do not have paved parking lots.
Gappa stated they���ill need to hire a surveyor to help identify some of the boundary lines for
this park.
Council Member Kelley stated in his opinion the park boundaries should be identified very clearly.
Meyers indicated the Park Commission has eYpressed a desire to have the boundaries for all the
Orono Parks clearly identified to avoid any confusion«-ith the adjoining property owners.
Council Member Kelley suggested surveying the parks be discussed at the time the 2001 budget
is being prepared.
(#9) PARK MAINTENANCE & IMPROVEMENTS FOR 2000-2010
McDermott stated he has incorporated�vhat he believes to be all the recommended improvements
for the various parks discussed at last month's meeting. McDermott suggested the list of proposed
improvements for each park be for�varded to the City Council for their review and comment.
Halvorson inquired whether a map currently exists of all the parks in the area.
MeDermott stated he will provide that information to Halvorson and Bouchard. McDermott stated
the plan helps to identify what improvements are felt to be needed at the various parks.
Halvorson inquired whether the local residents have ever been asked for their input regarding�vhat
they would like to see for the parks in the area.
White stated a citizen survey was conducted appro�imatel��four years ago.
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McDermott stated he�vill supply the citizen survey to Halvorson as�vell. McDermott stated the
residents expressed a desire for trails and open space, with the residents being somewhat reluctant
to support a referendum re(ating to funding of more active parks. McDermott stated the Park
Commission has generally tried to keep the parks more passive in accordance�vith the citizen's
wzshes.
(#10) COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OUTLINE FOR PARKS, OPEN SPACES & TRAILS
McDermott inquired whether the�vork session with the City Council scheduled for April 10 at 4:00
p.m., was still on to discuss this matter.
Gappa indicated that it was.
NEW BUSINESS
(#11) JUNE PARK TOUR- 5:00 p.m.
McDermott encouraged all Park Commission membcrs to attend the June � park tour.
McDermott stated he�vill add some of the lesser kno«n parks to this year's park tour, «�ith this
item being further discussed at the next meeting. McDermott stated he is planning to add
Lowry Woods, Chevy Chase, Carn�an, and Cygnet Park at this time.
City Council Member Kelley inquired�vhether the old city dump was still a possibility.
McDermott stated the owner of the Dog House has right of first refusal on that property, �vith the
City basically taking a wait and see approach.
Gappa stated the o�vner of the Dog House is interested in acquiring the existing residence and the
property.
Silber commented it may be helpful to add that property to the park tour as well.
McDermott stated he will develop a list of parks to be toured for the next meeting.
(#12) SITE PLAN REVIEW - NAVARRE SNYDER DRUG
Gappa indicated he has included in the Park Commission packet the Planning Commission
information relating to this project. Gappa stated the developer is proposing to construct a
sidewalk along the north side of Olive Avenue to provide for pedestrian access.
McDermott stated he did attend the Planning Commission meeting where this item was discussed,
noting he did raise some concerns regarding the proposed trail in this area. McDermott stated
in the past the Park Commission had eapressed desires to e�tend a trail up what is known as
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Navane Lane to the intersection in that area. McDermott stated as the project is currently
proposed by the developer, that option is impossible.
Meyers stated currently the trail is proposed to go next to the retaining wall that will be built in
the area. Meyers eYpressed concern that�the cars parked in this area may encroach upon the
trail if some type of fence is not installed. Meyers su�gested some lighting, plants, and other
screening be required in the area of the retaining�vall. �
McDermott commented there presently is a side�valk in front of Culvers that goes down in front
of the church. McDermott stated most of the green space in front of Culvers is o�vned by
Hennepin County.
Meyers commented the residents located on LaFayette Circle have expressed a desire to have
a connection up to Olive Avenue.
City Council Member expressed a concern that the children in the area�vill create a shortcut
through the parking lot rather than follo�v the proposed trail.
McDermott indicated he did eYpress a concern�vith the amount of parking being proposed for
this project, and suggested that thc parking lot be reduced since the majority of the parking would
be short-term.
It�vas the consensus of the Park Commission tliat their first priority for a trail in this area is to
construct a trail in a portion of Navarre Lane that is proposed to be abandoned, with the Park
Commission's second choice for a trail to be located as proposed, but with the recommendation
that the parking be located further back from the trail or have some type of buffer installed
between the parking lot and the trail, with the trail going to Olive Avenue being extended as far
do��n to Navarre Lane as possible.
Meyers commented in his view there should be a trail connecting the neighborhood.
Silber stated she would like the developer to etplore the possibility of relocating the trail.
Gappa commented the proposed parking is in compliance�vith City Code, but in his vie�v appears
to be eYcessive for this project.
McDermott reiterated that most of the parking will be short-term.
Gappa stated it�vas his rcco(lection the Planning Commission may have recommended less
parking space with the condition that additional parking be added if it becomes neccssary.
Silber stated she���ould like to see more green space in this area, noting the amount of hardcover
proposed on this project is high.
Gappa stated the developer is requesting a variance to the hardcover.
Ilse stated a lack of green space in the Navarre area appears to be a consistent complaint.
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McDermott recommended the City's landscape architect review the plans for this project.
White stated in his vie�v this project�ti�ould be a nice addition to the area if some modifications
are made to the proposed plan.
Motion by McDermott, second by Ilse, recommending a pedestrian connection be +
maintained in the existing Navarre Lane, running from Olive Avenue to the
intersection of County Roads 15 and 19, as the Park Commission's first preference.
The Park Commission further recommends that the proposed retaining wall be
segmented to allow for vegetation and planting to occur in front of the retaining wall
at some point to soften the total height of the retaining wall as depicted in Exhibit.a. In
addition,the Park Commission recommends as a second alternative a trail along the
Erickson property line, with the corridor being widened to prevent vehicles from
overhanging the trail either by installation of some type of fence or some type of
vegetation buffer between the parking lot and the trail, with the trail extending further
down Olive Avenue closer to the intersection of Navarre Lane and Olive Avenue.
VOTE: Ayes 7, Nays 0.
Motion by Silber, second by McDermott, recommending the developer reconsider
the type of plantings being proposed due to the salt spray conditions that may occur,
with the request that the City's landscape architect be consulted regarding the type of
plantings to be utilized on this project to determine suitability, especially along County
� Road 19. VOTE: Ayes 7, Nays 0.
McDermott inquired���hcther any Commissioner has any comments relating to tlle architecture
of the proposed building.
Halvorson inquired whether the Citv has am� long-term plan for renovation or development of
the Navarre area.
McDermott stated currently there are no guidelines that e�ist for redevelopment or
renovation of this area. McDern�ott commented currently the City of Orono is revie���ing what
Long Lake is proposing for development along the existing Higll�vay 12 corridor, �vith creation of
some architectural guidelines for that area. McDern�ott stated hopefully those guidelines cou(d
be adopted or modified for the Navarre area.
City Council Member Kelley indicated the Cit}� is discussing�tiith Long Lake�tihether boulevards
should be constructed in the median of High���ay 12 as well as other issues relating to the ne«�
High�vay 12 corridor. Kelley stated a joint committee consisting of residents from Lon¢ Lake and
Orono has becn formed to look at these issues and will be meeting again in the near future.
McDermott commentcd the residents in the Navarre area have indicated thev like the small to�i�
atmosphere.
Halvorson commented it�ti�ould be beneficial to have long-range guidelines or standards developed
relating to redevelopment of the Navarre area. Halvorson suggested that some type of
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theme for this area be considered to help guide future deve(opment.
Meyers commented the new Snyder Drug building in his view w�ill become the new comerstone
building for this area.
McDermott stated the size of the proposed building seems eYcessive in his view for the area.
Motion by Silber, second by Halvorson, recommending that the City Coancil consider
directing the devetoper to keep the architecture of the building more in keeping with
the new park design, which has a small-town, nautical appearance, in light of the fact
that the proposed Snyder Drug building will probably become the new cornerstone
building in this area, and further recommending that a set of standards relating to
architecture for this area be developed to help guide future developments.
VOTE: Ayes 7, Nays 0.
(#13) PARK COMMISSIONER RECOGIYITION
McDermott stated he has contacted Budget Printing regarding the costs related to having a
plaque made in recognition of former Park Commission members. McDermott stated the cost
is approYimately $2�0, plus $30 to add all of the past Commissioners' names.
McDermott distributed a list of the former Commissioners, and requested tllat each Park
Commission member revic�v the list to see if any names are missing.
McDermott stated he�vould like to havc the plaque located in the haliwav. McDermott stated
he will continue to pursue this matter.
(#14) PARK COMMISSION ATTENDAI�CE AT COUNCIL MEETINGS
McDermott stated the Orono City Council meets t�vice a month, ���ith a representative from the
Park Commission being requested to attend each of the meetings to give a brief update on the
items discussed at the Park Commission mecting that month as �vell as to gain the input of the
City Council regarding the various upcoming projects.
Halvorson indicatcd she would be able to attend the April IOth City Council meeting.
Bouchard stated she will contact McDcrmott about her availabilitv.
(#15) PARK ASSIGNMENTS, 2000-2001
McDermott stated he has assigned some of the local parks to the various Commissioners.
McDermott stated the Commissioncr has the responsibility of basically oversecing the park,
�vatching for vandalism, handling citizen complaints or comments relating to that park, and
suggesting items for future improvement.
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McDermott indicated he assigned Crystal Bay Park to Bouchard and French Creek Preserve
to Halvorson.
McDermott requested the Commissioners consider the foilo�ving parks for assignment:
Hackberry, Summit Beach, Carmen Street Fishing Pier, Lee Carlson Fields, Park Lane Fishing
Pier, Lowry Woods, Cygnet Place, and Chevy Chase.
Halvorson indicated she would like to be assigned to Hackberry Park.
White volunteered to take Carmen Street Fishing Pier.
Ilse stated she«�11 take Park Lane Fishing Pier.
McDermott indicated the remaining parks will be assigned at the next meeting.
(#16) LAKE ACCESS POINTS
McDermott recommended photographs be taken of Orono's access points, noting 39 are currently
available with approYimately eight being utilized.
Mevers indicated he�vould be�villing to take photographs of the access points.
Bouchard volunteered to do half.
McDermott stated he�vill supply a list to Meyers and Bouchard of the lake access points, and
requested that this project be completed by the end of summer.
(#10) COMPREHEIYSIVE PLAN OUTLINE FOR PARKS, CONTINUED
Gappa stated City Administrator Moorse has indicated that he would like the Park Conunission to
comment on the comprehensive plan outline.
McDermott stated sections of the Park Commission's master plan does address the issue relating
to open space preservation more fullv. McDermott stated he�vill have that information available
at the workshop.
McDermott stated the only suggested trail connection relating to Item 2A�vould be a trail along
Orono Orchard Road.
City Council Member Kellev commented the possibility of acquiring land along either the�ti�est or
east side of Orono Orchard Road could perhaps be e�plored.
Gappa remarked state aid funds could possibly be used for trails and side�valks.
Gappa recommending discussing Item 2C at the�vorkshop.
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McDermott indicated the Park Commission has determined that Item 2C should be a priority.
Relating to Item 4, McDermott inquired whether the Park Commission felt the City should provide
more ballfields.
Ilse commented a community play field would be a nice addition to the park system. -
McDermott inquired if the old dump site is not available, should the City pursue other possible
sites for a community play field. McDermott pointed out the main reason the City was interested
in the old dump site�vas the fact that the land could possibly be acquired or leased at a relatively
low price.
White stated the City also needs to look at access to tlie site and location. White indicated that
Gaffron has put together a map of possible sites for a community play field.
Ilse suggested looking at possiblc sites ncar the school or industrial area.
Silber stated in her vie�v Orono residents would be supportive of additional ball fields if the land is
available.
City Council Member Kelley suggestcd the possibilit��of utilizing funds from pull tabs be pursued.
Meyers stated he has spoken�vith the o«�ner of Jimmie's Lounge regarding that subject, «�ho
has indicated he currently is supporting other local organizations. Meyers stated it is his
understanding the City is legally entitled to a 10 perccnt contribution from the pull tab operations.
Motion by Meyers, second by Bouchard, recommending the City Council consider
levying a 10 percent mandatory contribution on all pull tab operations located within
the city limits of Orono per State Gambling Regulations, with said contribution to be
allocated to Capital Improvements. MOTION CARRIED 6-0-1, SILBER ABSTAINED.
McDermott stated most of the items are alrcady covered in the Park Commission's master plan.
Meyers stated in his opinion linear parks�vould be a good assct and should be pursued further.
Relating to Item 6, Gappa commented the Park Commission should considcr providing
mini-playgrounds in the ne�v developments.
McDermott stated the map provided at the last Park Commission meeting illustratcd��-here the
Park Commission felt additionat parks should be added in the area around the Golf Course,
the McMillan property if it is subdivided, as �vell as adding a park in the northwest corner of
Orono similar to Crystal Bay Park.
Meyers commented the property o�mers who own two to five acres have sufficient room to have
their own play equipment and those areas probably do not require a city park.
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Silber st�±cd in her opinion it should also be considered on a case by case basis depending on the
number of houses being proposed for the development.
McDermott stated he will provide the map illustrating the various parks and proposed parks at
the«�orkshop.
Meyers commented in his view the residents appear to be asking for more neighborhood parks �
than in the past.
City Council Member Kelle}• stated in his opinion Orono presently has a significant number of
acres dedicated to parks.
McDermott stated the residents could be contacted to see what they would like to see happen
as it relates to parks for their area.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by White, second by Ilse, to adjourn the meeting at 9:51 p.m.
VOTE: Ayes 7,Nays 0.
There being no further business to discuss, �ourned at 9:�1 p.m.
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Andrew McDermott, Chair
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