HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-01-2000 Park Commission Minutes ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING
' MINUTES FOR MAY 1, 2000
(#1) ATTENDANCE
The Park Commission met on the above mentioned date with the following members present: Chair
Andrew McDermott, Commissioners Debora Halvorson, Rick Meyers, Pauline Bouchard, Irene Silber,
and Cherokee Ilse. Commissioner Jim White was absent. Representing City Staff were
Public Services Director Greg Gappa and Recorder Jackie Young. City Council Representative
Richard Flint was prescnt.
Chair McDermott called the meeting to order at 7:22 p.m.
(#2) APPROVAL OF MARCH AND APRIL, 2000 MINUTES
The March minutes were approved at the April 3, 2000 meeting.
Corrections were made on Pages 2, 3, and 4.
Bouchard moved, Meyers seconded,to approve the Minutes of the Park, Open Space and
Trails Commission meeting of April 3, 2000, as amended. VOTE: Ayes 6, Nays 0.
MEETING REPORTS
(#3) APRIL COUNCIL MEETINGS
Halvorson stated the City Council discussed the Dakota Rail to Trail project and the creation of
a TIF District for the Navarre area at their April l Oth�vork session. Halvorson stated the City Council
recommended the Park Commission utilize the language play fields rather than ballfields in the
long-range plan for the parks.
Halvorson stated the City Council did request that the developer of the Snyder Drug Store proposed
for the Navarre area revise their plans to call for one-story building rather than a two-story
building and to relocate the trail in this area based upon the recommendations of the Park
Commission.
McDermott stated the developer has located the trail in the same location but has revised the actual
path of the trail somewhat, with some additional green space being provided along with removal of
the parking adjacent to the trail. McDermott stated the Park Commission can discuss this item
further under Item No. 7.
Silber stated she�vas unable to attend the entire April 24th City Council meeting, but gave the
Council Members a brief report on the proposed improvements to the Navarre Park. Silber noted
ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES FOR MAY 1, 2000
the Dakota Rail to Trail project was also discussed at this meeting.
Flint gave the Park Commission a brief update on the progress being made with the Dakota Rail
to Trail project, noting that Mn/DOT feels it should be preserved as a transportation corridor, with
Hennepin Parks leasing the land as a trail corridor from Mn/DOT. Flint stated the City of Orono
is continuing to pursue this project.
(#4) PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/UPDATES
(#5) NAVARRE PARK
Status of Plans, Specifications and Construction Schedule
DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant Status Report
Silber stated she has spoken with the DNR, �vho has indicated at this time thev have zero money
allocated to their grant program due to the legislature not allocating funds to this program and also due
to the fact that they are not included in the Governor's budget. Silber commented this program ma��still
be funded this year, but at this time they are unswe what��ill occur. Silber stated apparently the
DNR grant program will be allocated 8.� million dollars in next year's budget. Silber recommended
submitting a new application ne�t year to see whether Orono would be eligible for a portion of those
funds.
Silber stated the DNR has chosen not to visit the applicant sites at this time due to the uncertainty
regarding the funding of the program. Silber noted the grant is normally a�varded in June, �vhich
may be delayed this year due to the lack of funding. Silber stated the DNR should know within the
ne��t week or t«�o whether they will be a���arded any funding for this year.
Meyers suggested Orono's local legislature representative be contacted regarding this grant
application.
McDermott stated the Park Commission should perhaps delay a decision on«�hcther to proceed
forward with the improvements to the Navarre Park until May to see��hethcr there�vill be funding
available in the grant program.
Gappa stated if the funding is not available this year, they could proceed with purchasing the play
equipment. Gappa noted the City Council is committed to this project and are ready to proceed
forward with the plans and specifications.
McDermott stated one option��-ould be to approach the City Council about the possibility of loaning
the Park Commission the other$80,000 to enable the City to complete the entire project rather than
delay it over a number of years should the grant money not be available.
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Meyers stated he would rathcr wait until next spring in order to be able to do a good job rather
than rushing for�vard in order to get something installed at the park this year.
Gappa stated the Park Commission should have a definite answer on the funding in the ne�ct two
to three weeks and a decision on�vhether to proceed forward at that time can be made at the
Park Commission June meeting. Gappa stated the City Council has approved $50,000 for this
project without the grant. Gappa suggested the City Council be given an update of this project in+
the near future.
Flint commented it was his understanding this was a matching grant program.
Silber stated if the City is not awarded the grant,the Park Commission is looking at proceeding
fonvard�vith the $80,000 that was approved by�the City Council and not pursuing the grant any
further for this park. Silber stated the DNR has indicated that if no funding is allocated this year
to this program, all applications will be considered ne�t year.
Bouchard indicated she will contact Gen Olson to see if she would be�villing to pursue funding
for the DNR grant program.
(#6) SAGA HILL
Status Boundary Survey/Saga Hill Neighborhood Meeting/Naturalist/Biologist
McDermott inquired whether any progress has been made on the boundary survey for Saga Hill.
Gappa stated he is unsure at this time what the progress on that item is.
Flint suggested Saga Hill be included on the park tour to enable the City Council and Park
Commission members to see�vhat improvements have been completed.
Silber stated the Saga Hill Society group continues to meet every month and have discussed the
possibility of pursuing acquisition of two or three additional pieces of land. Silber stated some
former members of this group did inform the Saga Hill Society group that Garden Lane and some
adjoining land is going to be developed. Silber stated she�vas unaware that this area was being
considered for development.
Gappa stated a developer did appear bcfore the Planning Commission with a sketch plan, �vhere
some changes�vere recommended by the Planning Commission. Gappa stated it�vas his
understanding the changes �vere incorporated into the plan, with the developer going to appear
before the City Council to get thcir input on the proposed dcvelopment. Gappa stated the devcloper
was proposing four lots ovcr appro�imately seven acres.
McDermott inquired whethcr this area�vas identified by the City for a holding pond.
Gappa stated there��•ill need to be a holding pond in the area, with the regional pond being proposed
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further uphill. Gappa stated the developer will need to address the ponding issue in more detail if
they plan to proceed forward with the development.
Silber stated if this area is developed, she would like to see the parcel of land containing the
ravine dedicated as park land.
(#7) SITE PLAN REVIEW - NAVARRE "SNYDER DRUG"
McDermott stated the Park Commission has the reviewed site plan for the proposed Snyder Drug
in Navarre. A trail is being proposed in the northwest corner of the property that connects up to
Highway 19.
Flint commented the developer has been requested to relocate the trail due to the loss of some
trees in that area. Flint stated the developer�vill be constructing a trail from Olive Avenue over to
the drive-through area.
McDermott indicated that�vould be fine in his opinion.
Meyers stated he also agrees with the trail in that location.
Flint indicated there�vill be some additional green space as well.
Ilse inquired if the trees are not preserved, whether the developer will be required to replace those
trees.
Flint stated the landscape plan�vill need to be reviewed and approved by City Staff.
Meyers commented he would like to see as many trees and green space preservcd as possible, but
that the City must realize this is a commercial development, which should perhaps be vie�ved
slightly differently than residentia( areas. Mcyers stated in his opinion if the City requires developers
to comply with all these various regulations on commercial projects, the City like�vise should be
required to follow the same ru(es and regulations. Meyers stated the City should take steps to
make some areas of the City more pedestrian friendly.
McDermott stated the Park Commission is looking for some screening and buffer space between
the proposed building and the residential area.
Meyers stated in his view this is a better plan than what was originally proposed.
(#8) COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OUTLINE FOR PARKS, OPEN SPACES & TRAILS
McDermott stated the work scssion regarding the comprehensive plan with the City Council was
productive, noting that it appcars at this time the City is not interested in establishing a TIF District
for the Navarre area.
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Flint stated there has not been a formal vote on whether a TIF District should be formed. Flint
indicated Mayor Jabbour has spoken with the business owners in this area who have not
expressed a great desire for the creation of a TIF District.
Meyers stated the Park Commission is looking at establishing some general guidelines on«�hat
type of architectural styles would be appropriate as�vell as other guidelines relating to redevelopment
of this area.
McDermott stated they are looking at having some decorative lighting installed in this area as well
as some benches and planters in order to appear the overall appearance of the area. McDermott
stated they are not looking at a total makeover for the community but some low-cost improvements
which will help enhance the area.
Meyers stated the City could take a pro-active approach to improving the appearance of the
Navarre area by creating an attractive entranceway as �vell as installing some decorative lighting.
Meyers sug�ested an independent Committee consisting of Long Lake and Orono residcnts perhaps be
established to look at thesc issues.
McDermott stated the City of Orono does not have any plans at this time to incorporate ballfields
into the comprehensive plan.
Meyers stated there�vas some discussion centcring around language that said the "City�vill
provide" and substituting the language, "the City supports the idea", to avoid residents from getting
the impression that the City is intending to provide those items in the future.
Gappa stated Gaffron is continuing to draft the comprehensive plan, and once completed, the
Park Commission will revie�v and approve the section relating to parks.
Meyers stated in his opinion the Comprehensive Plan does provide excellent direction in «here
the City wants to go with the parks in this area.
(#9) PARK MAINTENANCE & IMPROVEME(VTS, 2000- 2010
McDermott inquircd���hether Gappa will be preparing a memorandum for the Cit}' Council relating
to thc final maintenance and capital improvements list for their revie�v.
Gappa stated he will be prcparing a final list for revie�v by the City Council, whicll in his mind is
intended more for informational purposes than for approval.
Flint suggested this item be submitted as part of the budget process since the City Council at this
time is involved in a number of other projects that«�ill take priority over this issue.
Ilse inquired whether the Park Commission had established a list of priorities for park maintenance
and improvements.
McDermott stated thc Park Commission did not really prioritize the items for each park.
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Ilse suggested that perhaps a list of priorities be established.
McDermott inquired��•hether the City Council intended to increase the City's contribution to the
Park Fund this year.
Flint commented it was his understanding the City would gradually increase its contribution to the.
Park Fund. +
Gappa stated it was his understanding the City's contribution to the Park Fund would be increased
by$5,000 each year. Gappa commented Bedenvood probably would be a high priority as well as
making all parks compliant with the American Disabilities Act.
Meyers commented that the profits from thc pull tabs could also be allocated to the Park Fund.
(#10) JUNE PARK TOUR- 5:00 p.m.
McDermott stated he will add Saga Hill to the parks to be viewed this year on the park tour.
McDermott stated the Park Commission«�ill be touring Navarre Park, Casco Ice Rink, Crystal Bay,
Hackberry, Lo�vry Woods, Chevy Chase, Cygnet, Dairy Qucen, Saga Hill, and the Eisinger
propertv.
Gappa noted at the present time the owner of the Dog House property has thc right of first refusal,
with the City basically having to take a wait and see approach to see whether the property will
become available in the future.
Ilse stressed that as many Park Commission members attend the park tour as possible.
(#11) 39 LAKE ACCESS POINTS
McDermott noted the Park Corruiiission is attempting to identify all the City's lake access, and that
the City should consider placing signs identifying each of the lake access points.
Gappa commented the City should also consider placing signs identifying the City o�vned docks.
Meyers stated Bouchard and himself�vill be taking pictures of each lake access point. Meyers
commented that perhaps they could do a slide presentation on the access points once this project
is completed. Meyers suggested that an article be included in the City ne«�sletter notifying the local
residents that these arcas are going to be identified and photographed in the upcoming months.
Bouchard suggested the�� photograph the overall area.
Gappa stated the City should also identify the property lines for all the parks as park of the park
inventory plan.
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Halvorson inquired whether the Park Commission wanted to create a brochure of some type giving
a brief description of all the parks.
McDermott stated the City currently has a list of the parks with a map identifying the various parks.
(#12) NAVARRE BUSINESS AREA CLEANUP
Meyers stated an article promoting the cleanup was not included in last week's ne�vspaper but
hopefully will be included in this week's ne�vspaper. Meyers stated the cleanup �ti-ill be held at the
west end of the parking lot by the coffee shop. Meyers commented a number of the local
businesses have already cleaned up their areas.
Meyers suggested the Citv place a trash bin by the bus stop to help reduce litter in that area as
�vell as taking steps to improve the Ride-N-Park site in Navarre.
McDermott encouraged the members of the Park Commission and City Counci( to attend this
event.
Halvorson commented the City should also consider placing trash bins at Max�y-ell Bay and some
of the other more heavily used docks due to the amount of debris in the area.
McDermott requested Gappa contact the DNR regarding the Maswell Bay dock access to notify
them of the situation.
Meyers noted the Navarre cleanup is schedule for May 6 at 8:00 a.m., at the Minnetonka Coffee
Cafe.
(#13) PARK COMMISSION MEMBERS LIST
The Park Commission revie���ed the member list and requested Gappa incorporate the necessary
revisions.
McDermott requested the Park Commission members provide the City�vith the cunent
information as soon as possible.
Gappa stated he will send out a revised list to the Park Commission for their revie�v.
(#14) PARK COMMISSION ATTENDANCE SCHEDULE FOR COUNCIL MEETINGS
The Park Commission revie�ved the attendance schedule for the upcoming City Council
meetings.
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(#15) PARK COMMISSIONER ASSIGNMENTS, 2000-2001
The Park Commission reviewed their assignments for the year 2000-2001.
McDermott requested that each member keep an eye on their assigned parks and report to
Gappa if they notice any problems in the area.
(#16) OTHER ISSUES
Silber commented one possible option the City may�vant to explore should the DNR receive
the 8.� million dollars in funding is the acquisition of the land currently o�vned by Temple Israel
on Tonkawa Road for the creation of a public beach in that area. Silber sug,,uested the property
owner be contacted by the City to see whether they would be interested in selling a portion of
their land to the City. Silber stated she would be willing to contact them.
McDermott noted the property consists of appro�imately 18 acres.
Gappa stated the area is zoned t�vo acres.
Silber suggested should this area be developed in the future that the City ask for a donation of
land in lieu of a cash donation.
Halvorson inquired�vhether the City�vould be interested in acquiring the land from the School
District east of Carlson Field and east of the Middle School. Halvorson stated the School Board has
indicated they no longer have a use for the land.
Flint commented the City Council has considered acquisition of this property in the past and have
determined that they�vould not be interested in acquiring that land.
Silber su�ested the Park Commission consider other possible parcels for acquisition by the City as
part of the DNR grant program for next year.
Meyers suggested the Park Commission representative at the next City Council meeting bring up
the possibility of pull tabs becoming a source of revenue for the Park Fund.
Flint suggested the pull tabs be discussed in a�vorkshop session relating to the budget.
Meyers commented that the City could also establish an endo�vment fund for the parks.
ADOURNMENT
Bouchard moved, Halvorson seconded,to a ' t 8:30 p.m.
�.
dre�v McDermott, Chair
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