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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-05-2001 Park Commission Minutes MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2001 (#1) ROLL The Park Commission met on the above-mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Andrew McDermott, Commissioners Debora Halvorson, Sherokee Ilse, Rick Meyers, and Pauline Bouchard. Commissioner Irene Silber was absent. Representing Staffwere Public Services Director Greg Gappa and Recorder Jackie Young. Council Member Jay Nygard was present. Chair McDermott called the meeting to order at 7:17 p.m. (#4) PUBLIC COMMENTS John Ross and Scott Ross, Boy Scouts, addressed the Park Commission concerning an Eagle Scout project they would like to undertake relating to the construction of some benches for the local parks. Scott Ross inquired whether the Park Commission would like a certain style of bench constructed. McDennott inquired whether they had any particular parks in mind for the benches. Gappa noted the Park Commission has suggested Navarre Park, which�vould be his first choice. John Ross commented Antoine Park could use some benches as well. McDermott stated Antoine and Navarre�vould probably be the Park Commission's top choices since improvements have recently been done to those parks. McDermott stated the Park Commission is considering improvements to Hackberry this year. The Park Commission reviewed the bench catalogs to determine an appropriate style bench. Scott Ross stated they were considering the recycle benches and also some metal benches which are coated with plastic. McDermott stated the benches would need to comply with the ADA requirements. Ilse commented the blue plastic benchcs �>>ould go good with the color scheme of the Navarre Park. McDermott stated the inanufacturer could provide a sample of the blue plastic used on the bench to see if it matches the color scheme. McDermott commented a bench with arm rests would be needed for the elderly and ADA compliance. Gappa stated the City would buy the necessary materials to construct the benches. John Ross stated the Boy Scouts �vould also install the benches at the various parks and are planning to secure them in concrete. McDermott commented a concrete pad around the benches could be added in the future if the Park Commission deems it appropriate. McDermott stated they need to have a fairly level access PAGE 1 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2001 path to the benches. It was the consensus of the Park Commission to approve for Antoine Park construction of two six foot cedar colored recycled plastic benches, one with armrests and one without, and to approve construction of two six foot blue fusion coated metal benches, one with armrests and one without, for the Navarre Park. Bouchard suggested the Boy Scouts also be asked if they would be interested in helping with the landscaping. Meyers commented these t�vo projects would help generate some nice publicity for the Boy Scouts and the City. (#2) APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 5, 2001 MINUTES Bouchard moved, Halvorson seconded,to approve the February 5, 2001 minutes of the Orono Parks, Open Space and Trails Commission Meeting as submitted. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. (#3) FEBRUARY COUNCIL MEETINGS McDermott stated he attended the February 12 City Council meeting«here he gave a brief update to the Council on the upcoming events the Park Commission has planned. McDermott stated the Council was informed about the landscaping to take place at Navarre Park, plans to consider improvements to Hackberry, and the proposal to close the road at Crystal Bay Park as well as looking at a new master plan for that park. McDermott stated at the February 26`� Council meeting,the Council interviewed two candidates for the Park Commission, with a third candidate scheduled to be interviewed at the first March Council meeting. Meyers commented he also was in attendance at the February 26`h meeting, where he discussed the upcoming landscape work to be completed at the Navarre Park and the desire to have access and trail system into the Lurton and Carlson properties. Meyers stated a discussion was had concerning snowmobiling and issues relating to safety and access to the lakes. Meyers stated primarily the LMCD and Sheriff's Department will need to address these issues, with the Park Commission perhaps making some recommendations on what may help to improve the situation. McDermott stated they also discussed the crosswalk going to the Navarre Park from the parking lot as well as the possibility of having another crosswalk crossing over County Road 19, which would require approval from Hennepin County. Meyers commented they discussed an overall pedestrian plan for the Navarre Park due to the fact that some new development is occurring in the area and some safety issues need to be addressed. PAGE 2 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2001 Meyers stated the crosswalk and signage would not be a problem on the city street next to the park but that Hennepin County will need to be contacted regarding the City's concerns relating to County Road 19. � McDermott stated it was suggested to the Council that an overall development and pedestrian safety study perhaps be done of the Navarre area with different projects being prioritized, such as improvements to the bus shelter in Navarre. Meyers stated he also raised the issue of pulltabs with the Council again. Meyers noted that most of the surrounding cities receive ten percent of the proceeds of the pulltabs, which Orono does not do at the present time. Meyers indicated he is planning on putting an article in the local newspaper sometime in April regarding the planting at the Navarre Park. Meyers stated the ground work will need to be completed first. Meyers stated he would be happy to work with the Eagle Scouts if they are interested in assisting in this project. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/UPDATES (#5) NAVARRE PARK This item was discussed under Item#3. (#6) SAGA HILL McDermott stated he did inform Silber to contact Jim White regarding the naturalist. (#7) DAKOTA RAIL/TRAIL Meyers reported there was a companion bill introduced regulating the construction of trails and the requirement that the Cities obtain permission from the property owner if the trail is located within 1,000 feet of their property. Meyers stated both bills have been sent back to committee and probably will not be acted on this session. Meyers noted he was informed the bills were introduced more for some trails located in the St. Cloud area. Bouchard inquired whether any other commissioners had received an invitation from Representative Jeff Johnson regarding his Day on the Hill event. McDermott stated he did receive an invitation to this event. Ilse commented it was her belief the event is scheduled for March 7`�. Ilse stated she will check on the date and call the Park Commission later tonight. McDermott stated in his view it would be beneficial to attend this event if possible. PAGE 3 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2001 Bouchard commented the legislature is currently working on the DNR budget, and now would be a good time to apply for any grants the City may be interested in. Meyers stated the grant money could perhaps be used for trails within the Saga Hill area. Meyers expressed a concern that in the future language may be added to a bill restricting funding of trails by the County. Meyers suggested Representative Johnson be requested to keep an eye out for introduction of any bill that would negatively impact the Dakota Trail project. McDermott stated since the Minnetrista Park has been built,the County has been restricted from funding parks and trails where there is not 100 percent community support for it. Meyers indicated he will speak with Gabriel Jabbour to see if he has any new information relating to this project. (#8) LAKE ACCESS POINTS McDermott noted Bouchard has completed rephotographing some of the lake access points. McDermott inquired whether a winter view and a summer view of all the lake access points has been obtained. Bouchard stated in her view they have a winter view of only perhaps 30 percent of the lake access points. McDermott inquired whether there were any additional sites that Bouchard would like to obtain a winter view on as well. Bouchard commented a winter view on some of the access points may be helpful due to the heavy woods that exist during the summer. Bouchard commented the new maps were very helpful. McDermott requested Bouchard provide him with a list of those sites where it would be helpful to photograph in the wintertime. Meyers inquired whether Gappa has a big map where these lake access points could be depicted. McDermott stated there is a map currently that has all the lake access points identified. Gappa commented he could also do an overhead slide depicting all the access points. McDermott stated the Park Commission will be reviewing the slides at their April meeting, with a work session being scheduled for the end of April with the Council. McDermott stated he will also be photographing the signs that Tonka Bay and Excelsior use for their lake access points. McDermott stated the Park Commission should discuss which access points they would like to see remain passive and which ones should be more active. Meyers suggested the Park Commission also designate certain access points for winter activity and summer activity. PAGE 4 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2001 McDermott inquired whether the Stormwater Management Plan includes ponding at some of the parks and lake access sites. Gappa stated the first draft simply illustrates the general areas of the proposed ponding sites and does not specifically identify the sites at this time. McDermott stated it was his understanding there was a pond depicted in the Lydiard Beach area. Gappa stated that area is identified as possibly having a pond but the eaact location has not been determined at this time. Meyers commented there is one lake access point where there is considerable erosion of a big sandstone embankment. Bouchard stated there is a similar one off of Elmwood Extension where there is a steep bank. Meyers stated they really should not be considered access points due to the steep banks and suggested they be included in the stormwater management system. McDermott stated those sites perhaps should be designated as needing some shoreline protection. Gappa stated under the stormwater management plan the City may be able to apply for regional monies for ponding. Gappa stated the City is considering some type of fee for new developments to help offset the costs of the stormwater management. Gappa stated other communities in the area have a separate charge on their utility bills which is used to help finance some of the stormwater improvements. Gappa noted at the present time Orono does not have a separate fund to help finance the proposed stormwater management improvements and needs to consider its options for funding of these various projects. Gappa stated the first step is to approve the Stormwater Management Plan, with the second step being consideration of how the projects are to be funded. Meyers recommended the Park Commission needs to identify the problem access sites and prioritize them, with the lake access points being included in the stormwater management plan. (Ilse leaves at 8:13 p.m.). (#9) WINTER RECREATION McDermott stated Orono's winter recreation program at the golf course appears to be doing well based on John Ross' comments. McDermott commented there appears to be enough use of the warming house to justify having it. Gappa stated the winter recreation areas are becoming more popular as time goes on. PAGE 5 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2001 (#10) HIGHWAY 394/12 McDermott stated there have been a number of discussions regarding the aesthetics of the new Highway 12 corridor. Orono has agreed that the decorative elements on the bridges will be black wrought iron with a scroll pattern across the top. McDermott stated the fence along the bridges that cross the railroad tracks and Highway 12 has to be a minimum of eight foot tall and in other areas can be reduced to 42 inches. McDermott stated one of the negative aspects of the new Highway 12 corridor is between Old Crystal Bay Road and Wayzata where there will be a ditch with concrete retaining walls along the north side of the roadway. McDermott stated the retaining walls will have the natural boulder look to it, with the City requesting that the walls be pushed back approximately four feet to allow some landscaping in front of the wall. McDermott stated the biggest change will be in the area of Willow Road where the single lane bridge will be replaced with a wide bridge. McDermott stated no exits are proposed between County Road 15 and County Road 6. At the present time Mn/DOT is proceeding forward with the project. Gappa stated it was his understanding some property owners in Long Lake need to be out by November. McDermott commented there are two properties in Orono which have also been taken by Mn/DOT and are now vacant. McDermott stated he also discussed the possibility of construction of a pedestrian overpass, which at this time does not look likely since the project is now in the late stages of design. McDermott commented the overpass is still possible utilizing transit funds in the future. The Park Commission reviewed a map of the Carlson and Lurton property. Carlson Property McDermott stated on the first page where a pond is depicted in Crystal Geek Park, Mn/DOT will need to purchase that land from Orono in order to construct a holding pond. McDermott stated they would like to have that money put into a trust for the Park Commission and utilize the interest to make future purchases of park land. McDermott commented he is not aware how much Mn/DOT will be paying for this land at the present time. McDermott noted the land in this area is mainly wetland. Gappa noted the Carlson property is basically landlocked at the present time. McDermott stated on the west side of Old Crystal Bay Road there is a parcel of land where the house will be taken as part of the Highway 12 project. Mn/DOT has indicated they are going to try to sell that land as two buildable lots. Gappa stated the dotted line indicates the construction limits of the project. According to Mn/DOT,they would like to buy the right-of-way from that property and then the property owner can do whatever they want with the remaining property. Mn/DOT has indicated their policy is PAGE 6 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2001 there has to be an uneconomic remnant before they will purchase the whole parcel. Gappa stated Orono is attempting to negotiate with Mn/DOT to construct a ten foot berm in this area and then leaving a 30 foot driveway outlot off of Old Crystal Bay Road, which will be extended to the park. McDermott inquired whether it would be a City owned driveway outlot. Gappa stated the City would have an easement or a right to gain access to the park. McDermott noted easements in the past have been a problem for pedestrian access. Meyers inquired how much land is in that area. Gappa stated there is a two acre lot and a 2.9 acre lot. Gappa stated the City needs to continue negotiating with Mn/DOT regarding this area. Meyers inquired whether those were desirable lots. Gappa stated in his opinion they could possibly be sold. Meyers noted that the 30 foot driveway easement would be the only way to access the park. Meyers suggested the berm be made part of the park, with prairie grass being planted on the berm. Lurton Property Gappa stated the third page depicts the general area of the Lurton property. Gappa stated Mn/DOT would need to purchase some land by the Lurton property. Gappa stated Starkey Road may go back into the park in this area. Gappa stated the two lots owned by Otten will be taken as part of the Highway 12 project as well as some other land in the area. Gappa indicated Orono will need to continue to negotiate on this area as well. McDermott stated Mn/DOT will need to purchase some land from the City, with the money going into a trust fund for the Lurton property. Gappa stated Mn/DOT will not commence designing this portion of the project until the year 2003,and does not anticipate that construction will begin until the year 2005. (#11) SPRING HILL ROAD TRAIL Gappa stated he has spoken to the company who does the City's mowing and they are not interested in mowing this trail. Council Member Flint suggested the City try to mow the trail on a more frequent basis. PAGE 7 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2001 COUNCIL MEETINGS March 12—Bouchard March 26—Ilse or Silber OTHER ISSUES Meyers indicated Ilse called with the date for the event with Representative Johnson. Meyers stated the event is scheduled for March 14`t'and is an all day event. Ilse indicated she had spoken with Representative Johnson personally on the phone who suggested the Park Commission schedule a separate appointment with him if they are unable to attend on the 14"'. McDermott stated he will attempt to schedule something the first week in April or the week of the 16�''with Representative Johnson. Halvorson noted she did contact the Minnehaha Watershed District and volunteered to be on one of their teams. The Watershed District did indicate they would not have their teams formed for several months, with 12 to 15 members per team. McDermott suggested that perhaps an article regarding this item be included in the upcoming City's newsletter. Meyers suggested including an article on the plant donations for the Navarre Park and the Bo3� Scouts project. McDermott inquired whether Meyers knew somebody who could construct the cabinet for the map depicting the park land donations and park areas. Meyers stated he does know of a couple of woodworkers who would be able to do this project. McDermott stated the cabinet would need to be approximately 6' by 6', and recommended the cabinet be built without glass or doors. ADJOURNMENT There being no future business to ' c wa urned at 9:15 p.m. Andrew MeDermott, Chair PAGE 8