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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-07-2000 Park Commission Minutes MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,AUGUST 7,2000 (#1) ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met on the above mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Andre�v McDermott, Commissioners Debora Halvorson, Rick Meyers, Irene Silber,and Jim White. Commissioners Sherokee Ilse and Pauline Bouchard were absent. Representing Staff were Public Services Director Greg Gappa and Recorder Jackie Young. City Council Representative Richard Flint was present. Chair McDermott called the meeting to order at 7:23 p.m. (#2) APPROVAL OF JULY, 2000 MINUTES A correction was made on Page 4. Silber moved, Meyers seconded,to approve the minutes of the Orono Parks, Open Space and Trails Commission Meeting of July 5,2000, as amended. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. MEETING REPORTS (#3) JULY COUNCIL MEETINGS Meyers stated he attended the July 10 City Council meeting where the Council approved the $�,000 needed for the water hookup for the Navarre Park. Meyers stated the City Council also discussed the other park in Navarre and possible future improvements to that area. The City Council discussed the possibility of acquiring land ne� to Hackberry to use for expanding existing ballfields. Gappa stated the contract has been awarded for the improvements to the Navarre Park,with a pre-construction meeting being scheduled for Wednesday. White stated he attended the July 24 City Council meeting where Council Member Kelley had inquired whether the play equipment proposed for the Navane Park could be better utilized at the other park in Navarre in an effort to save the City the expense of having to purchase play equipment for two separate pazks in Navarre. Meyers stated in his view the current Navarre Park will be utilized more often than the other newly acquired park land in Navarre. McDermott noted a majority of the Navarre residents live near the current Navarre Park and �vould be more heavily used than the other park in his opinion. McDermott stated the land formerly known as the Larson property would probably not be developed for a number of years. Meyers stated it is his opinion if the Dakota Rail to Trail project is successful,the former Larson property could be used as a rest area. PAGE 1 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,AUGUST 7,2000 (#4) PUBLIC COMMENTS None SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/UPDATES (#5) NAVARRE PARK Gappa stated the play equipment for the Navane Park has been ordered, with a pre-construction meeting scheduled for Wednesday. Gappa indicated it was his understanding construction would commence within the ne�ct two weeks on the park,with construction expected to be completed within 30 to 60 days. Meyers inquired whether the contractor who was awarded the blacktopping could speak with the gentleman who does the texturing to see whether that product could be tried on this park. Meyers stated that perhaps this park could be used as a good marketing tool to promote his product, and suggested that someone speak to him about the possibility of doing the texturing at the Navarre Park. Gappa stated he will discuss this issue on Wednesday with the contractors. Meyers inquired whether the sign for the Navarre Park will be relocated down to the main pathway. McDermott stated the sign will be relocated down near the pathway. Meyers stated the City may want to consider installing a speed bump or erecting a children at play sign prior to the improvements being completed to notify the drivers in the area that there are young children in the area. McDermott stated the sign should also be located about rivo feet off the ground similar to the signs at French Creek and Highwood rather than like the sign at Saga Hill, which is about five feet off the ground. OTHER ISSUES Dakota Rail to Trail Project Silber inquired about the status of the Dakota Rail to Trail project. Flint stated some progress is being made with the Dakota Rail to Trail project, noting they have met with the County Commissioners who have indicated they are supportive of the project. Flint stated Peter Johnson is also continuing to work on this project. PAGE 2 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,AUGUST 7,2000 (#6) SAGA HILL Gappa noted the Parks Commission has a revised plan in their packet for their review. Gappa stated the developer is willing to pay a park dedication fee as well as dedicate Outlot A to the City to help protect the ravine. White stated in his view the revised plan looks good. McDermott noted the revised plan does not require as many variances and is a good plan in his view. Halvorson commented the revised plan is a much improved plan over the previous one. Silber concurred that the plan is much better than the previous one. McDermott commented that Garden Lane appears to go along down to Outlot B, with a driveway accessing Lot 5. Gappa stated the City has spoken with the owner of the Hennessey property, who has indicated he is not interested in exchanging lots for the City-owned lot. McDermott commented if the City is unable to acquire the Hennessey property, that property would be located in the middle of the park. Meyers stated the City could consider the option of condemning the property. Gappa commented the City at this time does not have any definite plans for this property and does not have any funding currently acquiring to pursue condemnation. White stated he��ould like to see the County designate some monies for land preservation,noting the City lacks funds at the present time to do this and needs assistance from the County. Meyers moved, White seconded,to accept the park dedication fee on the proposed development by Brenshell Homes located at 1181 Wildhurst Trail,with the understanding the developer will be paying a park dedication fee for five lots and will be dedicating Outlot A to the City. VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 0. White stated he has met with the naturalist, noting a better access map is needed. Silber inquired how many more property corners need to be identified. Gappa stated approximately 30 percent still need to be identified. (#7) CREEKSIDE FOREST Gappa stated this is the Van Eeckhout property located along Brown Road, south of Watertown Road. Gappa stated the northern boundary of this property lies within the City of Long Lake, PAGE 3 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,AUGUST 7, 2000 with the proposed road going into the City of Long Lake. Gappa indicated the Planning Commission will be reviewing this application at their next meeting,with some issues relating to access. Gappa stated the Parks Commission should consider whether they�vant to accept a park dedication fee on this development or accept a land dedication in this area. Gappa noted the City of Long Lake still needs to review this application as well. McDermott inquired whether Van Eeckhout has already dedicated an open space easement to the DNR or whether the DNR currently owns one on this property. Gappa stated the Applicant is proposing a cluster development, with the lots to the north consisting of two acres. Gappa stated the whole southeast quadrant is open space and is largely wetland. Gappa sta.ted the association would own the land but a conservation easement would exist over that area. Gappa stated he is unsure at this time whether the DNR has an easement or will be getting an easement in the future. Flint stated it is his understanding there is not an easement over that area at the present time but at the time the subdivision is approved, an easement will be granted. Flint indicated this subdivision is being developed as a PRD. McDermott stated since this land is located in close proximity to the Luce Line and Hackberry, a park dedication fee in his opinion would be acceptable. McDermott noted the Parks Commission had voted to accept a park dedication fee on a previous plan. Silber moved,White seconded,to accept a park dedication fee on the Van Eeckhout Development known as the Creekside Forest Subdivision located at 120 Brown Road South. Flint commented he would like to see the Parks Commission accept a park dedication fee on the isolated developments rather than a land dedication. McDermott stated the Parks Commission normally takes a land dedication for a trail if it is located close to an existing park. White suggested the Parks Commission accept a land donation if the number of lots exceed a certain number within the development. Silber noted the City Administrator had recommended during a work session that the Parks Commission accept a land dedicatibn on the larger developments. White commented the developer should be required to pay for improvements to a park within a new development if the number of houses exceed a certain number. McDermott stated normally the developments within the City of Orono tend to consist of five or fewer houses. Gappa indicated a connection to the Luce Line would need to cross over the lake in this area, �vhich is probably not feasible. VOTE ON THE ABOVE MOTION: Ayes 5, Nays 0. PAGE 4 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,AUGUST 7,2000 (#8) PARK MAINTENANCE& IMPROVEMENTS 2000-2010 McDermott inquired whether the City Council has reviewed the Parks Open Space and Trail Commissions final maintenance and capital improvement list. Gappa indicated it has not officially gone to the City Council. McDermott inquired whether the list should be prioritized before given to the City Council. Gappa stated he could provide the list to the City Council at their next meeting for their information. (#9) CRYSTAL BAY PARK McDermott stated this item was discussed at the work session, with the City Council members being unanimous at the work session that this section of land should be turned over to the Parks Commission. McDermott stated the City Administrator had indicated this item would be placed on the City Council agenda for their revie�v. Gappa stated he will see that this item is placed on the ne�ct City Council agenda. (#10) HACKBERRY Gappa stated he will be meeting on August 21 with the property owner. (#11) SEVEN NATIONS PARK Gappa indicated he has contacted NSP about removing the power poles in this park but has not received a response back. Gappa stated NSP in the past had indicated they would be removing the poles. Gappa stated he will contact NSP again on this matter. (#12) 39 LAKE ACCESS POINTS Gappa stated City Crew has been erecting signs at the more heavily used access points. Meyers reported Bouchard and himself have inventoried 25 of the lake access points at this time, and are planning to give a slide presentation to the Parks Commission once completed. Meyers indicated the Parks Commission may wish to hold a work session with the City Attomey on this matter to discuss issues relating to o�vnership. Meyers noted at some of the lake access points residents are using the land for their o�m private use. Gappa indicated at the time a building permit is issued,the property lines are verified. Gappa stated if there is a platted right-of-way,the City definitely owns the land, and if there is an eaesment over the land,there may be some issues regarding ownership. PAGE 5 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,AUGUST 7,2000 Flint suggested a meeting be held with the Mayor to discuss these issues. Flint stated the Mayor has indicated he�vould like these lake accesses preserved. Gappa stated City Crew is basically erecting signs at the access points that are more heavily used at this point. Meyers commented the City may wish to discuss this issue further to decide which lake access points should have signs erected,noting there may become issues involving pazking and ownership at some of the lesser frequented access points. Meyers stated the slide presentation will be ready by October or November. McDermott indicated he has met with the neighbors near the Rest Point Lane lake access who had requested some maintenance and improvements to this area. McDermott noted the property corner is hard to identify on this access point. McDermott stated in his view it is important to identify the property lines to prevent the adjoining landowners from encroaching onto City property. McDermott sta#ed the residents would like to see the brush and dead branches removed in this area. (#13) SUMMIT BEACH Meyers stated they have taken pictures of this area and have spoken with Maury Taylor who has indicated he is opposed to a fishing pier at this location. Meyers stated Taylor has concerns relating to increased parking and garbage if a fishing pier is put in. White commented that people tend to use the swimming dock to fish from, which can be dangerous if there are swimmers nearby. White stated a fishing dock would solve that problem. Silber moved to bring this matter before the City Council for their review to determine whether a fishing pier should be located at Summit Beach. Flint commented in his view the present situation is fine, noting that the fishermen tend to fish at times when swimmers are typically not there. Halvorson indicated she would be opposed to putting a fishing pier in at this location. Silber stated she still feels this item should be brought before the City Council. McDermott stated in order for the DNR to install a fishing pier at this location,they first would need to identify this area as a fishery, and if they do not feel there is adequate fish in the area to support a fishing pier, they would not put one in. McDermott stated he is unsure what type of waiting period there is for the DNR to install a pier, but in his view the situation should be looked into to determine�vhether there is a problem with fishermen fishing offthe swimming dock. Halvorson inquired how much land the City owns in this area. McDermott stated it�vas his understanding the City owns approximately 4.4 acres. PAGE6 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,AUGUST 7,2000 White seconded the motion by Silber. Meyers inquired whether Staff should check with the DNR first. McDermott stated he will check with the DNR. Silber moved, Meyers seconded,to contact the DNR to see whether a fishing pier would be feasible at this location. Silber withdrew her first motion. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 1,Halvorson opposed. (#14) PARK COMMISSIONERS ASSIGNMENTS 2000-2001 Halvorson commented Hackberry Park looks beautiful. Halvorson stated she is still unable to walk the full trail at French Creek, noting that the trail has only been mowed up to the blinds. Halvorson suggested bark be placed on the trails to prevent the weeds from growing. Halvorson indicated there presently is no trash container at Maxwell Bay Park, noting there is a lot of debris in the area. Halvorson stated a trash container in this area would help to alleviate this problem. McDermott stated he will speak to the DNR on this issue. Flint stated the DNR does clean up this area every Monday. McDermott noted this is a heavily used landing. Flint stated he will send a note to the Mayor to pass along to the DNR. (#15) SEPTEMBER PARK TOUR McDermott noted the park tour is scheduled for September 5 at 5:00 p.m. McDermott indicated the Parks Commission will be touring the ne�v Navane Park, Casco Ice Rink, Crystal Bay, Hackberry, Lowry Woods, Chevy Chase, Cygnet, and Saga Hill. Gappa stated the City does not have any record of Chevy Chase ever being dedicated as park land, noting that it�vas originally some taY forfeited land. Gappa stated he will have to identify the boundaries for this area. McDermott recommended adding one good lake access point and one bad lake access point to the park tour McDermott encouraged all the Parks Commission members to attend the park tour. PAGE 7 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,AUGUST 7,2000 (#16) NEW PARK IN NAVARRE McDermott commented a potential name for the Navarre Park would be Langdon Park. OTHER ISSUES Halvorson noted the Cities of Shorewood and Plymouth have banned the use of phosphorus. Gappa stated the City's stormwater management plan does recommend that phosphorus not be used but noted no formal action has been taken. Silber stated phosphorus is not needed in this area. Meyers stated in his view the City should recommend to the local retailers to sell phosphorus-free fertilizer. Meyers stated he is unsure how the City could enforce any ban of phosphorus. Flint suggested the City Council be asked to see if they are interested in adding any park to the park tour. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss,the ti �ourned at 9: p.m. � Andrew McDermott, Chair PAGE 8