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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-02-2001 Park Commission Minutes MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, APRIL 2, 2001 (#1) ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met on the above mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Andrew McDermott, Commissioners Debora Halvorson, Rick Meyers, and Pauline Bouchard. Commissioners Sherokee Ilse, Irene Silber, and Patrick Wolfe were absent. Representing Staff were Planning Director Michael Gaffron and Recorder Jackie Young. City Council Representative Jim White arrived at 7:29 p.m. Chair McDermott called the meeting to order at 7:22 p.m. (#2) APPROVAL OF MARCH, 2001 MINUTES Corrections were made on Pages 1, 2,4, 6, and 7. Bouchard moved,Meyers seconded,to approve the minutes of the Orono Parks,Open Space and Trails Commission Meeting of March 5, 2001, as amended. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. MEETING REPORTS (#3) MARCH COUNCIL MEETINGS This item was not discussed due to the absence of Silber and Ilse. McDermott stated he has spoken with Paul Kerr who indicated he is still interested in participating on some park committees. (#4) PUBLIC COMMENTS None SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/UPDATES (#5) NAVARRE PARK Gaffron stated he has nothing to report regarding the park benches. Meyers stated he has spoken with John Ross regarding the possibility of the Eagle Scouts participating in the planting at the Navarre Park. Ross indicated they would not be interested in doing that project since it requires the Eagle Scouts to monitar the plantings for one year. Meyers stated he did submit an article to the local newspaper and City newsletter concerning the planting and request for donations. PAGE1 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,APRIL 2, 2001 McDermott stated he did receive a call from former Council Member Dianne Goetten who indicated she has a number of hostas she would be willing to donate to this cause. Gaffron indicated the City newsletter would be coming out in April sometime. Meyers commented he has a number of hostas and ferns as well that he could donate to the Navarre Park. Meyers stated they are also interested in planting some day lilies. Meyers stated they are planning to prepare the beds this spring and cover them with wood chips, and if they do not receive enough plants this spring, they can add the additional plants at a later time. McDermott stated City Staff would need to address what they would like to see happen with some of the steep slopes in the Navarre Park since they will be unable to be mowed. McDermott suggested that perhaps some boulders could be placed on the slopes. (#6) SNOWMOBILE ACCESS McDermott stated the lake access point]ocated at Shadywood Road also serves as an access for snowmobilers. McDermott stated one of the neighbors in this vicinity has indicated that he would prefer that this access point not be utilized by the snowmobilers. The City of Orono has indicated they will be studying this issue and have a plan of action in place by the fall. McDermott stated the DNR has indicated they need this access point for snowmobilers. Gaffron stated Gappa would be meeting with representatives of the LMCD and the Sheriff's Department to discuss the possibility of utilizing a floating bridge in the Coffee Channel. Gaffron indicated that Bob Albertson, who designed the floating bridge, will also be attendance at this meeting. OTHER ISSUES: McDermott stated he has spoken with Ilse about meeting with Representative Johnson. Ilse indicated Johnson's office is recommending the members of the Park Commission meet with him at the beginning of next year's session rather than now. Halvorson indicated the new session would begin January 2, 2002. Bouchard stated the Park Commission should still consider meeting with Representative Johnson should an urgent issue come up. McDermott stated the Orono Area Sports Alliance is looking for an interested Park Commission member to participate in their meetings. McDermott stated he will ask Patrick Wolfe if he would be interested in attending their meetings. The Orono Area Sports Alliance has indicated they are interested in getting a financial commitment from the City. McDermott stated the City at the present time is unable to commit financially to any upcoming projects they may have. McDermott stated it is his understanding this organization is funded out of the Orono School District. PAGE 2 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,APRIL 2, 2001 McDermott commented he is unable to attend the meeting on the Metropolitan Regional Open Space Policy Plan scheduled for April 3, 4, ar 5. McDermott stated if someone is available from the Park Commission that can attend this meeting, they should let him lrnow. McDermott inquired whether anyone from the City would be attending these meetings. Gaffron stated he is not aware at this time of anyone who will be attending. Jim White, Council Representative, indicated he would be attending the one scheduled in Clear Lake. (#7) 39 LAKE ACCESS POINTS McDermott distributed some documentation concerning the classifications utilized by Tonka Bay to designate their fire lanes. McDermott noted Tonka Bay utilizes three different classifications, and suggested that Orono could utilize these as well, with the addition of a fourth classification for swimming beach and a fifth classification for drainage area. Bouchard inquired whether all of Orono's lake access points have been designated as fire lanes. Meyers commented it is his understanding that originally they were intended as fire lanes and were utilized by the fire trucks to obtain water out of the lake to combat fires. Gaffron stated some of them could be used as fire access points, but due to the topography and narrowness of some of the access points, they could not be utilized as fire access points. Gaffron stated many of the lake access points have been platted to allow for pedestrians to gain access via foot to the lake. McDermott noted Tonka Bay has identified every single one of their lake access points and has erected signage designating how the lake access points have been classified by the City. Meyers suggested that perhaps an article be submitted to the local newspaper alerting the local residents that the City will be reviewing these lake access points and classifying them. Gaffron stated another option is to notify only those property owners where there appears to be some possible encroachment onto the City's property. Gaffron stated it is his understanding it would take an act of legislature to vacate a public access point. The Park Commission reviewed a slide presentation of the various access points. #42—Summit Beach The Park Commission designated this area as a Class I and Class N access point,no snowmobile access. Meyers noted the possibility of widening and clearing this area, along with the addition of a fishing pier, has been discussed previously by the Park Commission. PAGE 3 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,APRIL 2, 2001 #41 —Lydiard Beach (66' wide platted road extending to shoreline) McDermott inquired whether the City has any plans at the present time to utilize this area for a stormwater retention pond. Gaffron stated this area functions in that manner on either side of the access point. McDermott noted the house located to the right of this access point appears to being encroaching somewhat. Gaffron stated Orono's Code encourages the adjoining property owners to maintain these lake access points as part of their property. Gaffron stated in the past the City has told the adjoining property owners they should be maintaining these areas. Bouchard stated there is a difference between maintaining these areas and placing structures within the areas designated as a public lake access point. The Park Commission designated Lydiard Beach as a Class N (Swimming Beach). #40—Carman Street (30' wide platted road extending to shoreline) Bouchard indicated the adjoining property owner would prefer this access point not be marked as a public access point but does not have any objection to the neighbors utilizing this area. � McDermott stated in his view the general public should have the right to use the fishing piers the City provides. Gaffron commented this area could be designated as a neighborhood fishing pier. Meyers stated he is not opposed to this area being designated as a neighborhood fishing pier. The Park Commission classified Carman Street as a Class I. #39—Spring Street (40' wide platted road) McDermott stated this is an access point where there appears to be some encroachment by one of the adjoining property owners. McDermott stated there is a clearing after the woods, with what appears to be a dirt road going down to the lake. McDermott stated in his view this area could be improved to provide a good access point for pedestrians down to the lake. McDermott noted currently there is no access off Dunwoody. Gaffron noted this is a dedicated public right-of-way. Gaffron stated there is a wetland located at the lower end, which could raise some issues regarding access in the summer. The Park Commission designated Ivy Lane as a Class I and a Class V. PAGE 4 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,APRIL 2, 2001 #38—Ivy Lane(Ivy Place) (60' wide platted road) Jim White, Council Representative, indicated this access point is well used in the winter by the snowmobilers. The Park Commission designated Ivy Lane as a Class II and a Class V. #37—Casco Circle (60' wide platted road to shoreline) Bouchard stated she is not sure of the exact location of this access point. White indicated he has not observed any snowmobilers utilizing this access point. White stated to his lrnowledge this access point has a flat, straight out walk to the water. The Park Commission designated Casco Circle as a Class I. #36—Casco Point Beach (60' wide platted road, used as swimming beach) Halvorson stated this access point is heavily used by snowmobilers even though the area is supposed to be closed off during the winter. Halvorson stated the chain or gate installed by the City has been removed. McDermott stated the City will need to erect a new gate and mark the boundaries. McDermott stated Orono's beaches are supposed to be closed to snowmobilers and motorized traffic. The Park Commission classified Casco Point Beach as a Class N. #35—Fagerness Point Accretions (Accretions to the 40' originally platted road) Bouchard indicated there is a narrow band of land located between the road and the water, which appears to be the public access point. Gaffron stated there is 40 foot dedicated right-of-way. Gaffron stated a number of property owners in this area have laid claim to the land located on the side of the road closest to the water. The City Attamey has indicated that the City may not have a claim to any land outside the arigina140 foot right-of- way. Gaffron stated if the road is vacated, the land outside the 40 foot right-of-way would revert back to the property owners, with the City only being granted the 40 feet. Gaffron indicated the City's 40 feet is not located next to the lake. The Park Commission did not classify Fagerness Point. #34—Corral Road Extension (20' platted alley) McDermott stated there appears to be an encroachment into this lake access point by the adjoining property owner's driveway. Gaffron stated the public does have a right to gain access to the lake. PAGE 5 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS,OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,APRIL 2, 2001 McDermott noted this access point is located directly across from Antoine Park. The Park Commission classified Corral Road Extension as a Class I and a Class V. #33—Highwood Road Alley (20' platted alley to shoreline) Bouchard indicated there is a steep drop-off in this area and is probably a drainage area. Meyers stated there are a number of hedges and trees that appear to have been planted in this middle of this lake access point, which in effect blocks access down to the lake. The Park Commission designated Highwood Road Alley as a Class I. #32—Highwood Road Extension (20' platted alley to shoreline, steep slope to shoreline) Meyers stated this is basically a drainage area. Meyers stated there does not appear to be a good pathway down to the lake. The Park Commission classified Highwood Road Extension as a Class V. #31 —Orchard Beach Place(50' platted road) Bouchard stated there is a long road down to the lake in this area, which is quite wooded. The Park Commission classified Orchard Beach Place as a Class I. #30—Rest Point Road (16' platted road) The Park Commission classified Rest Point Road as a Class II. #29—Rest Point Lane (33' platted corridor) McDermott commented this area would make a nice little beach. McDermott noted there appears to be some encroachment by the adjoining property owner. The Park Commission classi�ed Rest Point Lane as a Class I and a Class N. #28—North Shore Drive at"Adams Street" Extension (40' platted road extension) Bouchard stated she is unsure of the exact location of this access point. McDermott stated this area is a definite drainage area. The Park Commission designated Narth Shore Drive as a Class V. PAGE 6 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, APRIL 2, 2001 #27—North Shore Drive West End (33' platted corridor extension of Cty. Road 19, undeveloped) Bouchard stated this is basically a drainage area, with a very steep slope and no safe access down to the lake. The Park Commission classified North Shore Drive West End as a Class V. #26—"Buff Street" (50' wide platted road to shoreline, undeveloped) Bouchard stated there appears to be a number of pieces of equipment located near the lakeshore, which may be encroaching into the lake access point. Bouchard stated the equipment was not located there this past summer. McDermott commented Buff Street has good potential for access by pedestrians and snowmobilers. Gaffron stated he is unsure whether this access point is currently being utilized by snowmobilers. The Park Commission classified Buff Street as a Class II or a Class I. #25—"Summit Avenue" (Extension of Elmwood Avenue) (50' wide platted road to shoreline) Bouchard indicated she had a difficult time locating this access point and went by the house numbers in locating this site. The Park Commission classified Summit Avenue as a Class I and a Class V. #24—Elmwood Avenue (20' wide platted road/alley leading to shoreline) The Park Commission designated Elmwood Avenue as a Class V. #23—Forest Lake Landing(60' wide platted road,walking use only) Bouchard stated the adjoining property owner has constructed a driveway on this access point. Gaffron stated the property owner cannot legally stop people from using this access point. Bouchard commented this area would make a nice beach. The Park Commission classified Forest Lake Landing as a Class I and a Class IV. #22—Loma Linda Avenue(40' wide platted road) Gaffron stated launching of boats is permitted at this lake access point but no parking is available. The Park Commission classified Loma Linda Avenue as a Class I and a Class N. PAGE 7 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,APRIL 2, 2001 #21 —Spruce Place(40' wide plated roadway, undeveloped) The Park Commission classified Spruce Place as a Class I. #20—Grant Street (50' wide platted road,undeveloped) McDermott stated currently there is a resident utilizing Grant Street as access. Meyers stated there is a paddleboat located down by the lakeshore in this area. Gaffron stated the new property owners of 1330 Cherry Place will be removing the existing house. Gaffron stated the property owners have been informed they will need to remove the existing garage since it is located within the right-of-way. The Park Commission classified Grant Street as a Class I and a possible Class II. #19—Sandy Beach (Extension of Maple Place) (60' wide platted roadway) McDermott stated this area could be improved somewhat. McDermott stated no snowmobile use is allowed in this area. The Park Commission designated Sandy Beach as a Class IV. #18—Oak Place(Platted Road in Plat of"Crystal Bay View") (40' wide platted undeveloped road) The Park Commission designated Oak Place as Class V. #17—Baldur Park Road (NW end of platted road as it extends to shoreline) The Park Commission classified Baldur Park Road as a Class I and a Class V. #16—Oak Street (30' wide platted road—undeveloped, steep slopes and ravine) The Park Commission designated Oak Street as a Class V. #15—Park Lane (60' wide platted road, paved to shoreline) Bouchard stated there is a fishing pier at this access point. Bouchard stated a sign has been erected that says no motorized access in winter. The Park Commission classified Park Lane as a Class I, and a questionable Class 3 and Class IV. #14—Westlake Street(30' platted road extending to lakeshore; walking access only) The Park Commission classified Westlake Street as a Class I. PAGE8 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS,OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,APRIL 2, 2001 #13—Bayside Road (30' realigned platted road—not opened for public use) Bouchard stated this access point is currently being utilized by snowmobilers, with the area being maintained as lawn. Bouchard noted this access point is supposed to be closed to public use. The Park Commission classified Bayside Road as a Class I and a Class V. #12—Bayside Road (Two 60' platted roads and one 65' platted road to the lake—not opened for public use) The Park Commission classified Bayside Road as a Class I and a Class V. #11 —Bayside Road at Stubbs Bay Road (33' platted road—used by snowmobilers off Luce Line) The Park Commission classified Bayside Road as a Class II. #10—Eastlake Street(30' platted road, gated March 1 —December 1) The Park Commission classified Eastlake Street as a Class II and a Class III-A (No boat launching). #9—Gibbs Landing—Fox Street (Outlot A) Bouchard stated this access point is heavily wooded. Bouchard indicated a gate has been erected by someone across the access. Gaffron indicated he is unsure what rights the City has regarding this lake access point. The Park Commission classified Gibbs Landing as a Class I. #8—Crystal Bay Road (Platted extension of Hillside Place—25' wide platted roadway) The Park Commission classified Crystal Bay Road as a Class I with no snowmobile access. #7—Crystal Bay Road (20' relocated platted alley) McDermott stated this area contains some nice level lakeshore. Gaffron stated this lake access point was created in 1908, in exchange for the vacated 20 feet. The Park Commission classified Crystal Bay Road as a Class I. #6—Crystal Bay Road (west end) (66' wide platted road extending to lakeshore) Gaffron stated 100 plus property owners in the Navarre area may have boating and dock rights over the four lakeshore lots in this area. Gaffron stated City Staff has chosen not to raise the issue of the existing docks because this has the potential to be a highly controversial issue once opened and needs further review. The Park Commission classified Crysta] Bay Road as a Class I, Class III-A, and a Class N. PAGE 9 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, APRIL 2, 2001 #5—Shadywood Road at Sunset Drive (13.5' wide platted alley) The Park Commission classified Shadywood Road as a Class I, with no snowmobile access). #4A—North Shore Drive east of Shadywood Road (33' wide eastward extension to North Shore Drive—Hennepin County Jurisdiction) McDermott commented this area contains some nice lakeshore. Gaffron stated he is unsure if the City has jurisdiction over this area since it is an extension of a county road. Gaffron stated there is emergency vehicle access off of Crystal Bay Road. The Park Commission did not classify North Shore Drive. #4—North Shore Drive at Baldur Park Road (30' wide platted road) The Park Commission classified North Shore Drive at Baldur Park Road as a Class III-A, winter access) #3—North Shore Drive at Shoreline Drive (Not open for public use) Bouchard stated this area contains a steep embankment and does not provide safe pedestrian access to the lakeshore. The Park Commission classified North Shore Drive at Shoreline Drive as a Class V. #2—Shoreline Drive at Spates (Gated in summer; winter vehicular access) The Park Commission classified Shoreline Drive at Spates as a Class I and a Class III-A. #lA—Shoreline Drive"Molly's Corner" (Hennepin County Jurisdiction) The Park Commission did not classify Shoreline Drive. #1 —End of Orono Lane (Not open for public use—questionable abutment of shoreline) Gaffron stated the City will need to do a survey of this area to determine whether this access point actually abuts the shoreline. Meyers noted there is no parking allowed in this area. The Park Commission designated Orono Lane as a Class V. PAGE 10 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,APRIL 2, 2001 OTHER ISSUES: Halvorson indicated the City of Victoria has recently constructed a trail utilizing funds from the DNR. Halvorson suggested the Park Commission consider requesting funds from the DNR for construction of trails. McDermott stated in the past the City has received funds from the DNR for trails. ADJOURNMENT Bouchard moved, Halvorson seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 10:12 p.m. There being no further business to discus adjourned at 10:12 p.m. Andrew Mc , Chair PAGE 11