HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-06-2000 Park Commission Minutes MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO
PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2000
(#1) ROLL
The Park Commission met on the above-mentioned date with the follo«�ing members present:
Chair Andrew McDermott, Commissioners Debora Halborson, Irene Silber, Jim White,
Sherokee Ilse, and Pauline Bouchard. Commissioner Rick Meyers «�as absent. Representing
Staff were Public Services Director Greg Gappa and Recorder Jackie Young. Council Member
Barb Peterson was present.
Chair McDermott called the meeting to order at 7:25 p.m.
(#2) APPROVAL OF OCTOBER, 2000 MINUTES
A correction was made on Page 1.
White moved, Bouchard seconded, to approve the minutes of the October 2, 2000,
Orono Parks, Open spaces, and Trails Commission meeting as amended.
VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0,Abstained 1, McDermott Abstained.
MEETING REPORTS
(#3) OCTOBER COUNCIL MEETINGS
McDermott stated he attended the October 9, 2000, wherein the City Council encouraged the
members of the Park Commission to become more actively involved in the promotion of the
Dakota Rail to Trail project. McDern�ott stated the City Council recentl}� mailed a letter to
prospective candidates and state legislators expressing their support of this project. McDermott
noted there have been a couple of ne�t�s articles in the local paper regarding this project also.
McDermott stated there may be a delay of up to t�vo years in getting this trail started due to the
need for some environmental studies that will be done to determine whether any coirtamination
has occurred in this area. McDermott noted Mayor Jabbour will continue to work on this project
after the first of the year.
Rick Meyers attended the October 23, 2000 Citv Couiicil ineeting but was not present at
tonight's meeting.
(#4) PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/UPDATES
(#5) NAVARRE PARK
Gappa stated the contractor has begtui installation of the play equipment at the Navarre Park
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MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO
PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2000
last�veek.
McDermott inquired about the trail to be constructed.
Gappa stated they would like to keep the trail on the lower section rather than up on the hill in
order to follow the grade. Gappa stated another catch basin was added to eliminate any water
rumiing across the trail. Gappa stated they will bc raising the grade once the trail is com�leted,
which will avoid the need to remove any additional trees.
McDern�ott inquired whether any seeding will be done this fall.
Gappa stated he is unsure at this time, noting that it�vill depend on the «�eather.
(#6) SAGA HILL
Silber stated she would like to contact the Henness}�s about their firture plans for this property,
noting she will speak «�ith the City Administrator prior to approaching the Hennessy's.
Gappa stated the developer for Brenshell Homes is continuing work on the final plat.
McDermott noted the Parks Commission «�ill be receiving a park dedication fee on this
development.
White stated he has not received the report froin the naturalist at this time, but will be contacting
him in the near future.
(#7) DAKOTA RAIL/TRAIL
This item was discussed under Item 3.
(#8) 39 LAKE ACCESS POINTS
Bouchard gave a slide presentation to the Parks Commission on the City's lake access points.
(#1) End of Orono Lane. Bouchard stated this basicall_y is a la«n area and is not easil_y
identified as a lake access point. Boucl�ard pointed out tlie adjoining property o�vner has planted
some landscaping in this area. Bouchard noted the adjoining property o�vner is attempting to sell
his property.
McDermott commented the easement does not appear to go all the�vay do�vn to the lakeshore.
(#2) Shoreline Drive and Spates Avenue. Bouchard stated there is a sign erected for this lake
access point stating that there is no lake access e�cept bet�veen December 1 and March 1, noting
this is a winter only access point. Bouchard commented this is a visible lake access point.
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MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO
PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMiSSION MEETING
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2000
McDermott inquired whether the City is currently maintaining this access point.
Bouchard stated it does appear to be mo�ved periodically, with a barrier and a sign having been
erected.
(#3) North Shore Drive. Bouchard stated the Cit}�once had access to this lake access point
through the red stoplight that is depicted in the slide.
(#4) Gibbs Landing off of Fox Street. Bouchard stated this lake access point is heavily wooded
and not penetrable. Bouchard commented there is a fence in the area with a sign that says
private property as well as a small path which dead-ends into the woods.
McDermott commented this does not appear to be a public access.
(#5) East Lake Street on Stubbs Bay. Bouchard stated this lake access point has a small sandy
area near the lake, with a narrow mowed path. A sign has been erected with a gate denoting this
as a lake access point.
McDernlott commented this is one access point that could possibl�-be improved as a swimming
area.
Ilse concurred that this area should be improved as a swimining area, noting that there are very
fe�v places on Stubbs Bay that have sand.
Gappa stated the gate was installed to prevent cars from going do��m in this area.
(#6) End of Stubbs Bay. Bouchard stated this access �oint l�as a boat launchiiig sign, with a
small fishing pier.
(#7) End of West Lake Street. Bouchard commented this is one of the lake access points that
is not readily visible as a lake access point, noting the area looks primaril}� like private property
and is not identified as City property.
Bouchard stated they�vill revisit this site to see if they can determine �vhere the access is.
(#8) Park Lane. Bouchard stated this area has a cnished rock path do�vn to the shoreline, with
a sign having been erected stating it is closed in the winter.
McDermott commented there used to be a fishing pier at tliis location.
Gappa noted this lake access is supposed to be 60 feet wide.
Bouchard stated it does not appear the City has the full use of the 60 feet at this access point.
Bouchard pointed out there still is a fishing pier at this location.
Gappa noted the neighbors in this area had some concern about this access being utilized more.
(#9) Oak Street. Bouchard indicated this lake access point is currently impenetrable, �vith no
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MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO
PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2000
identifiable markers e�isting to designate this area as a lake access. Bouchard noted a steep hill
also exists in this area, which also makes it difficult to access.
(#10) End of Loma Linda Avenue. Bouchard commented this lake access point currently has a
fishing pier, with a gravel access path do«�n to the lake. Bouchard stated this access point is
easy to find.
Gappa noted the City does maintain this lake access point.
(#11) Portland Avenue and Spruce Place. Bouchard commented this has a grassy path do�vn
to the lake, �vith a fishing pier.
(#12) Casco Point/Carman Bay. Bouchard noted the adjoining property o�vner expressed
concerns about this access point being signed as a public beach. Bouchard commented that
perhaps this slide has been misidentified and is Casco Point.
White coinmented in his view this is not Casco Point.
Bouchard stated she�vill revisit this access point.
(#13) Sandy Beach. Bouchard stated this is a good lake access point and is �vell maintained
as a public beach.
Gappa commented the neighbor's drive��ay may be encroaching upon City land. Gappa stated
the City has 60 feet at this location. Gappa iudicated they have been having some trouble finding
the markers near the lake on some of the access points.
(#14) Forest Lake. Bouchard indicated there is some play equipment or a drive�vay on this lake
access point by the adjoining property owners.
McDermott stated the City should have a 60 foot platted road�vay at this location.
Bouchard commented currently there is some play equipment located in this area, "�hich appears
to be on City property.
(#15) End of Elmwood Avenue. Bouchard stated there is no visible road, ��-ith the access point
not being clearly identifiable. Bouchard commented she is unsure «�here the access is at this
location.
MeDermott stated the City has a 20 foot platted alley at this location.
Bouchard stated this area is very heavily �vooded, «�ith a possible pathway being to the right of
the trees.
(#16) End of Elmwood Avenue— South of 11"'Avenue North. Bouchard stated thev�vere
unable to find this access point.
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MINUTES OF THE C1TY OF ORONO
PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2000
(#17) Park Drive. Bouchard stated this lake access point has a house and landscaping in the
area,�vith the access not being cleared identifiable. Bouchard stated there is a vacated document
number.
McDermott stated west of Park Drive there is a 50 foot platted road.
Bouchard stated due to the landscaping in the area, there is no �vay to tell �vhere the access is.
(#18) End of Bluff Street. Bouchard stated there is a direct patl� access to this site, with the area
being mowed and maintained. Bouchard stated the slope is fairly steep in this area.
Gappa commented this lake access point is lightly used. Gappa stated they had received a request
in the past to allow vehicle access to this area, with the City tuniing down that req�iest.
(#19) End of County Road 19. Bouchard stated they were unable to find this access point as
well.
(#20) North Shore Drive—Adams Street Entrance. Bouchard stated this area is heavily
wooded, with the access not being readily identifiable. Bouchard indicated there is a grassy lawn
area ne�t to the wooded area.
Halvorson noted there is supposed to be a 40 foot platted road at this location.
(#21) Rest Point Lane.
McDermott commented Planning Commissioner Jay Nygard would like to see this lake access
turned into a more active beach area. McDermott stated there is a little sandy area at this
location, with a drainage issue that needs to be addressed. McDernlott noted the adjoining
property owners are utilizing a portion of this access poiirt for boat storage.
(#22) Rest Point Road.
McDerntott stated this access point is located at the end of a cul-de-sac, with the shoreline being
approaimately three feet from the road�vay. McDermott commented the slide does not depict
the right location.
Bouchard stated she will revisit this site.
(#23) Orchard Beach Place. Bouchard stated there is a long paved road, ���ith a path leading
down to the shoreline. Bouchard commented there are houses located on cithcr side of the
access point, but there does not appear to be any encroachment at this location. Bouchard stated
in her view this access point could be further developed.
(#24) Highwood Road Alley. Bouchard stated this is another access point that is not easil}
identifiable, �vith the entire area consisting of la«n.
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MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO
PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2000
(#25) Highwood Road. Bouchard stated this lake access point has no trespassing signs erected
by the adjoining property o���ner. Bouchard stated this area consists primarily of«�oods, with a
small path leading to a cabin and is basically impenetrable.
(#26) North Arm Drive/North Shore Drive. Bouchard commented this is a slide that Meyers
took, noting she is not familiar with the area.
(#27) Corral Road Extension.
MeDennott stated the City has a 20 foot platted alle�, mainlv for drainage but also available for
���alking access. McDermott stated thc Cit� does not have clear deed title to this lake access
point.
(#28) North Shore Drive across Elder Point Road. Bouchard stated this lake access point is
also impenetrable.
McDermott stated the City has a 30 foot platted road in this area.
(#29) Intersection of County Road 19 and North Shore Drive. Bouchard commented this
lake access point is also not marked, and e�pressed some doubts �vhether this is the actual lakc
access point.
McDernlott commented it appears Hennepin County has jurisdictiou over this area.
Gappa stated it is a county platted right-of-�va_y. Gappa commented it �vas his understanding
a portion of it is utilized as a drive«�ay.
(#30) Shadywood and County Road 51. Bouchard stated there is a platted allev�aav 1�.2 feet
wide. Bouchard commented in her vie«�the access is the narro�v area bet���een thc t�vo houses.
Gappa stated he believes that is correct, noting the Cit�� receives complaints regarding
sno���mobilers who utilize this pathway.
(#31) Shadywood, #2264 and #3445. Bouchard statcd this lakc acccss point is locatcd off of
Shadywood, with a 66 foot platted acccss.
McDerntott commented this is a piece of land that the residents in Navarre have rights to the
lakeshore.
Gappa stated some of the residents in this area have docks on this site.
(#32) End of Hillside Place. Bouchard commented she is tmsure�vhere the access point is at
this location.
Gappa stated the City may have granted setback variances on both sides of this access. Gappa
stated the neighbors have requested in the past that this access point be vacated.
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MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO
PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2000
(#33) Carman Street. Bouchard stated this access is situated bet«een house numbers 2490 and
3555, with a fishing pier being located at this site.
McDermott stated the City has a 30 foot platted road«�ay to the sl�oreline.
Bouchard commented the adjoining property owner does not object to this area being a beach for
the local neighbors and would like the City to clean the area up, but does not want to see the area
advertised as a public beach.
(#34) Casco Point Road. Bouchard stated this lake access point consists of impenetrable
woods.
McDermott stated there is supposed to be a 40 foot platted road�va� from Casco Point Road to
shoreline along the ���est side of Caster Cove.
(#35) Casco Point Beach. Bouchard statcd this lake access point has a s�i�imming dock.
Gappa stated City Crew has checked the propem� lines in this area, �-vith there curreutl�� being
some encroachment by the adjoining property o�vners.
(#36) Casco Point Circle. Boucliard stated there is a 60 foot platted access, ���ith this area
consisting of impenetrable woods.
(#37) Ivy Place. Boucl�ard com���euted she is unsure ��vhere tl�e esact access is at this locatioi�
but may be the area that is currentl�� being mo��cd.
White stated this access point is heavily used in the wiuter by snowmobilers.
(#38) Lydiard Beach. Bouchard stated there is a long dirt road do�vn to the sandy beach, with
a picnic table and s�vimming dock being located at this site.
(#39) Summit Beach. Bouchard stated there is a swimming dock and canoe access at this site.
Silber recommended the lake access points be organized according to thcir uses.
McDernlott suggested some of the lake access points be improved. ��hile others rcmain as
natural areas.
Halvorson conunented in her vie��r action should be taken at some poii�t in the future on thc
access points �vhere there is encroachment onto Citv-o��med propert�.
Silber noted the Citv Administrator has indicatcd he �a�ould like the Citv Council to discuss
these access points prior to any further action being taken by the Parks Commission.
Gappa noted City Cre��� is attempting to locatc the corner markers at some of these sites at the
present time but is not erecting any sigi7s denoting them as a lake acccss. Gappa stated he would
like to assemble better maps illustrating these sites.
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MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO
PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2000
The Parks Commission decidcd to assign Mc}�ers. Bouchard_ and McDennott to the task of
prioritizing the lake access points.
Bouchard stated she ��ti�ill revisit a cou�le of the sites and rephotograph thcm, noting the�� i��a��
be able to get a better idea of the area no�v that the leaves have fallen off the trees.
McDermott suggested a«�ork session be scheduled for Februar}�or early March to discuss this
item.
Other Issues:
November City Council Meetings
Bouchard— 11/13/00
Ilse— 11/27/00
December City Council Meeting
White— 12/11/00
ADJOURNMENT
Bouchard moved, Ilse seconded, to adjourn the meeting. VOTE: Ayes 6, Nays 0.
There being no further business to d' ,t i m ting was _ rned at 9:07 p.m.
i�_._
Andrew McDennott, Chair
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