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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-07-2001 Park Commission Minutes MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, MAY 7, 2001 (#1) ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met on the above-mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Andrew McDermott, Commissioners Rick Meyers, Irene Silber, J. Patrick Wolfe, Sherokee Ilse, Debora Halvorson, and Pauline Bouchard. Representing Staff was Public Services Director Greg Gappa and Recarder Jackie Young. Mayor Barbara Peterson was present. Chair McDermott called the meering to order at 7:18 p.m. (#2) APPROVAL OF APRIL 2, 2001 MINUTES Corrections were made on Pages 2, 3, and 5. Bouchard requested a copy of the definition used to classify the various lake access points be attached to the April minutes for reference. Meyers moved, Bouchard seconded, to approve the minutes of the Orono Parks, Open Space and Trails Commission meeting of April 2, 2001, as amended. VOTE: Ayes 4,Nays 0,Wolfe, Silber, and Ilse abstained. McDermott appointed J. Patrick Wolfe to the Orono Sports Alliance. (#3) APRIL COUNCIL MEETINGS McDermott stated he attended the April 9`�'City Council meeting and informed the Council regarding the landscaping to be completed at the Navarre Park. Bouchard stated she attended the Apri123`d City Council meeting and talked about the upcoming landscaping to take place at the Navarre Park. Bouchard stated she inquired whether a date has been set for a joint work session with the Council to discuss the lake access points and was informed that no date has been set. (#4) PUBLIC COMMENTS Shirley Bull,4690 Tonkaview Lane, addressed the Park Commission regarding the lake access point located at Farest Lake Landing. Bull presented the Park Commission with a petition signed by 32 local residents requesting that the City re-establish this lake access point for public use. Bull presented photographs showing the current condition of the lake access point and how it existed in 1996. Bull questioned whether the City Council approved a resolution allowing the present property owner to take over the access adjacent to the property, who authorized them to landscape the area, and whether grading within the 0-75' setback was approved. McDermott stated he could address issues concerning matters relating to Park Commission items and that perhaps City Staff could address the rest. McDermott stated the Park Commission considers that area to be a public access point and are in the process of identifying with signage all of the public access points located in Orono. McDermott stated the City is unsure at this point PAGE 1 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,MAY 7, 2001 in time where the exact property corners are located, and the Park Commission will be requesting the Council to conduct a survey of the area to determine the exact location of the lake access point. Gaffron showed the original plat of the area illustrating a 60 foot platted right-of-way that was dedicated for public use forever. Gaffron stated there is no question that there is a 60 foot right-of-way in that location. Gaffron noted the property line is extremely close to the existing house. Gaffron stated accarding to some air photos taken in 1992, the slope drops at the end of the pavement by about eight feet, which would make it difficult to access the lake. Gaffron stated the house is very close to the right-of-way according to the City's maps, with a number of items being located within the right-of-way. Gaffron stated the row of trees appears to be along the lot line. Gaffron stated the City did approve the driveway access to the residence, but is unsure how the other items got placed within the right-of-way. Gappa stated that right-of-way has never officially been vacated by the City and is still considered to be City property. Gappa stated currently the public could walk down that right-of- way to gain access to the lake and it is not private property. Bull commented it is very difficult for the public to walk down that right-of-way since there is a drop off at the end. Gappa stated a dropoff did exist prior to the residence being constructed. Bull commented according to her pictures it appears the slope was more gradual in 1992 than it is today. Lyle Rahn, 1146 Wildhurst Trail, stated he has lived in this area for 30 years and has observed the activity that has taken place over the years. Rahn stated in the past this access point was utilized by snowmobilers and other residents in the neighborhood. Rahn stated four to five feet of dirt has been pushed up against the area by the tree, which has aggravated that access and has in essence made it very difficult for snowmobilers and/or pedestrians to walk down to the lake. McDermott stated the grading issues would need to be reviewed by City Staff to see whether it is in compliance with their grading and drainage plan. Stacey Schoenteit, 4480 Forest Lake Landing, stated in her opinion the garage is located much closer to the right-of-way than what the survey depicts. Schoenteit stated in her view this area looks like private property due to the landscaping and the location of the play structure in the right-of-way. Meyers stated the City would need to complete a survey of the area and determine the exact location of the right-of-way. McDermott stated the Park Commission would bring this issue up with the Council to see if they would be agreeable to a survey and to determine whether any violations have occurred. Gappa suggested the Park Commission review this lake access point on their June park tour. PAGE 2 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,MAY 7, 2001 McDermott commented the City could perhaps construct some steps down to the lake once the exact location of the lake access point is determined. McDermott stated the City has allowed the adjoining property owners to maintain the right-of-ways and in some instances the lake access point looks more like private property than public property. McDermott indicated it would take an act of legislature to abandon one of the lake access points and that it still is public property. McDermott reiterated that the City would be erecting signage at all the access points. Meyers indicated that the City has not approved any resolution allowing the adjoining property owner to take over ownership of the lake access point and that the past practice of the City is to allow the adjoining property owners to maintain the right-of-ways. McDermott stated any landscaping done on the property would have been approved by the City. Gaffron indicated Staff would need to check the approved landscaping and grading plans to insure that they have been complied with. Schoenteit stated she knows people who have attempted to use this lake access point and were informed that they were trespassing and that it is private property. Gappa stated once this area is clearly marked, the public will have every right to use this lake access point. Gappa stated this area is still owned by the City. McDermott stated hopefully the City will have this area surveyed by June. McDermott stated the City will continue to look into this matter and will keep the local neighbors informed. Silber inquired whether the public would be able to park on the brick pavers in this area. Meyers stated the City does not allow parking in fire lanes. Gaffron stated parked vehicles in this area are not allowed to block the free movement of traffic. Dwight Affeldt,4765 Tonkaview Lane, stated they would like to be able use this access point once again. Paul Kerr, Orono,presented the Park Commission with pictures of the signs utilized by Excelsior and a copy of their ordinance regulating lake access points. McDermott suggested that the neighbors be notified of the upcoming park tour and that perhaps the Park Commission could meet with the neighbors at the lake access point to review the area. Ilse indicated the Park Commission is a recommending body to the City Council and that the Council would need to approve any action taken on the lake access point. Ilse questioned whether the residents should address the City Council or City Staff as their next step. McDermott stated the Park Commission will be erecting the appropriate signage at all the lake access points and that it will be up to the City Council and/or Staff to deal with access issues. McDermott stated the Council will need to approve all the lake access classifications first and then the signs will be erected. PAGE 3 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,MAY 7, 2001 Meyers noted the Park Commission is reviewing all the lake access points within the City but that it is a slow process. Ilse indicated the Park Commission would be meeting with the City Council in a joint work session to discuss the lake access points. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/UPDATES (#5) SUBDIVISION—4100 WATERTOWN ROAD McDermott stated the Council requested the Park Commission review this item once again in order to determine whether the developer should pay a park dedication fee or designate land for parks and/or trails. McDermott stated this development will consist of six new homes and be designated as an equestrian neighborhood and will have horse paths throughout the development. Some of the Council members have suggested the Park Commission consider a trail along Watertown Road. McDermott stated the developer has expressed concerns regarding construction of the trail and dedicating the land for a trail. McDermott stated the developer has concerns regarding removal of some trees in the area needed for the trail. McDermott noted the pine trees in this area are not very nice trees and could be removed. Future access to Stubbs Bay Road, the Luce Line, and Bederwood Park would be possible with this trail. McDermott noted this trail would also be close to County Road 6. McDermott stated the Park Commission has the option of taking a cash or land donation far the park dedication fee. McDermott stated the Park Commission could also do a mixture of both. Gappa stated the park fee is based on a percentage of the land value and is capped at a maximum amount. Gaffron stated prior to final plat approval that number would be determined based on the number of lots within the development. Gaffron stated since there are two existing lots, only four of the lots will be required to pay a park dedication fee and that the Park Commission will probably be looking at approximately$21,000 in park fees. Ilse stated in her opinion the Park Commission has not identified this area for a trail on the City's Comprehensive Trail Plan. Ilse questioned whether it would be feasible to construct a trail in this area since the City does not have trail easements over the other properties in this area. Ilse commented the construction of the trail is also questionable due to the location of some tree lines and other structures near the area where the trail would be constructed on the other properties. McDermott stated this trail would provide access to Stubbs Bays Road,the Luce Line, and Bederwood in the future and that trail easements over the other properties in this area would be possible to obtain. Ilse reiterated she really is not in support of this trail since it does not go anywhere and that the Park Commission is in need of cash to make the various improvements at the local parks. Ilse stated she would prefer to go straight down to the Luce Line. PAGE 4 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,MAY 7, 2001 McDermott commented there is a lot of wetlands in that area. Silber commented she is in favor of a trail on Watertown Road. Halvorson inquired whether there would be a new pedestrian overpass at Highway 12 and County Road 6. McDermott stated there would be. Halvorson commented this trail could potentially access the Lurton property and Baker Park sometime in the future. McDermott commented that this trail would have to be done in stages rather than all at one time. Bouchard stated she likes the idea of a trail along Watertown Road and would favor a land dedication for a trail in this area. Silber moved,Halvorson seconded,to recommend that a land dedication for a 10 foot trail easement along the north side of Watertown Road be granted to the City,with the remaining park dedication fee consisting of a cash donation to the Park Fund. Ilse inquired whether it is the goal of the Park Commission to get a trail along the whole length of Watertown Road. McDermott stated the goal is to provide a trail connection to every one of Orono's parks. Ilse inquired whether the goal is to get a trail along Watertown Road or whether the goal is to get a trail down to the Luce Line. McDermott stated the purpose of the trail would be to connect Watertown Road with the Luce Line, Bederwood, and County Road 6. Ilse inquired whether there was any land available to the north. McDermott stated there is not. McDermott stated the trail could extend down Watertown Road up to Orchard Park, which would be a better connection to County Road 6. Ilse commented in her view the main priority would be to have a trail in order to access the Lurton property, Baker Park, and to the Luce Line rather than having a small segment on Watertown that may or may not be completed in the future. Ilse stated she would support a mare north-south connection. Ilse commented in her opinion the trail along Watertown Road will be difficult to complete. McDermott noted Orchard Park is also not part of the Comprehensive Trail Plan. Gaffron indicated there are some wetlands along Orchard Park that would also need to be addressed prior to a trail being constructed. VOTE ON THE ABOVE MOTION: Ayes 6,Nays 1,Ilse Opposed. PAGE 5 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS,OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,MAY 7, 2001 (#6) NAVARRE PARK Gappa stated he has not been given a firm completion date by the contractor but would expect the project to be completed in the next couple of weeks. Gappa stated they typically keep a five percent retainage. Meyers stated he is going to wait until the planting beds are ready prior to putting an article in the local newspaper asking for donations. Meyers noted an article did appear in the City newsletter regarding the plantings. Meyers stated in his view it will be probably the first week in June before any planting can be done. A resident in the audience commented that there have been a number of dogs loose in the neighborhood lately. The resident indicated the dogs appear to be owned by the residents in the area. Meyers stated they could erect a sign requesting that all dogs be on leashes. Gappa concurred that signs could be erected at the park. Bouchard stated Orono does have animal control. Meyers stated eventually the Park Commission would like to have a sidewalk constructed along County Road 19, with a trail extending from the sidewalk. McDermott commented they would like to have the sidewalk constructed this year if possible. Mayor Peterson suggested that Desyl Peterson be contacted regarding a possible donation of plants for the Navarre Park. McDermott noted this park would have access to city water. McDermott inquired whether the area would be sodded or seeded. Meyers stated he has discussed this with the contractor, who suggested they gun it with a mixture of seed and straw. Meyers suggested an edge of sod be placed along the edge of the tar to hold the dirt back and then gun the rest of the area. Gappa stated it is cheaper to seed it. McDermott inquired whether the seeding should be done priar to the landscaping or after. Meyers stated it could be done after the landscaping. Halvorson inquired when the benches would be put in. Gappa stated the benches could be installed anytime. PAGE 6 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,MAY 7,2001 (#7) SAGA HILL McDermott stated that Former Park Commissioner White had arranged for a naturalist to view Saga Hill, which has not yet been completed. McDermott inquired whether Mayor Peterson could check on the status of that project with Council Member White. McDermott indicated he will also contact White. McDermott inquired how the identification of the property lines was proceeding. Gappa stated once the subdivision corners are laid out, they could work off of those. (#8) DAKOTA RAIL/TRAIL Meyers stated it is his understanding the project is still proceeding forward. Meyers noted that Minnetonka Beach has hired an attorney to deal with the issues relating to the Dakota Rail to trail proj ect. (#9) 39 LAKE ACCESS POINTS McDermott commented lake access point No. 18, Oak Place, should also be classified as a Class I and a Class V. McDermott stated he would like to revisit lake access No. 1, Orono Lane, and make that a Class I as well. McDermott commented this area really does not have access to the lake. Gappa stated that area is questionable because City records indicate it is not open for public use, with the plat map indicating questionable abutment of shoreline. Halvorson stated it was her understanding from the last meeting that Gaffron had indicated the shareline had changed. McDermott stated the shoreline has eroded further. Meyers noted these are just recommendations to the Council. Bouchard stated these are just recommendations on how the land should be classified and that the legal aspects may change the classifications. Bouchard indicated once the surveys are completed on some of the questionable ones that the classification may need to be changed. McDermott noted that the Park Commission has really only changed the classification on one or two lake access points where they went into a new category. Gappa suggested perhaps at the July meeting the Park Commission could look at a couple of the questionable lake access points at their July meeting. Mayor Peterson noted a wark session with the Council has been scheduled for May 24°i at 5:00 p.m. PAGE 7 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, MAY 7, 2001 McDermott indicated Forest Lake Landing was added as a swimming beach, and Rest Point Lane is informally being used as a beach now. Bayside Road and Stubbs Bay Road was added as snowmobile access, and Grant Street is informally being used as a snowmobile access at the present time. McDermott stated Ivy Lane is already being used as a boat access as well as a snowmobile access. McDermott noted snowmobiles are not allowed on City beaches. McDermott stated the Class V should be called a drainage area, which is an area where the water flows naturally to the lake or a stormwater system has been installed to drain the area. Meyers inquired what the no boat launching classification means. McDermott stated the definition for Class III should read fishing, boat launching, and winter vehicular access to the lake. Class IIIA reads no boat launching. McDermott stated Class IIIA should also include fishing and winter vehicular access to the lake. Gappa stated those access points are closed in the summer. It was the consensus of the Park Commission to only list those items that are allowed at each of the lake access points under the classifications. Ilse questioned why Nos. 12 and 13 were listed as a Class I when they are not open for public use. McDermott stated the statement that says not open for public use should be removed from those two lake access points. McDermott stated they were not open for public use in the past. McDermott stated the Park Commission used the same classifications as Tonka Beach in classifying Orono's lake access points. (#10) PARK COMMISSIONER ASSIGNMENTS 2001-2002 Lee Carlson Field McDermott inquired on the progress being made on the Carlson Field improvements. Gappa stated he has not seen any plans for the improvements and is not aware of what the status of that project is. Meyers commented it was his understanding they wanted to start the project this spring. French Creek McDermott inquired whether French Creek has been burned yet to rid the area of buckthorn Gappa stated it was his understanding it has already been completed. McDermott requested Halvorson check to see whether the area has been burned and to notify Gappa if it has not been completed. PAGE 8 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS,OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,MAY 7, 2001 Crystal Bay Park McDermott inquired whether the master plan would be updated for Crystal Bay Park. McDermott noted the Park Commission had decided to close that road and use the expanded area as a possible ice rink, skateboard park, or soccer field. Mayor Peterson commented the basketball court at this park is well used. Ilse stated she has received a request for placement of a satellite at this park. Mayor Peterson stated the only concern she has is parking in that area if the road is closed. Ilse inquired whether they could utilize the post office parking lot. Meyers stated there is quite a bit of parking available near the railroad tracks across the street. Meyers stated he is aware of a plastic that can be laid down which enables the area to be used year-round hockey rink. Mayor Peterson suggested holding a neighborhood meeting to see what the local residents would like to see for this area. Peterson noted the demographics in this area are changing. Gappa suggested perhaps a neighborhood meeting could be scheduled in August. Gappa recommended the Park Commission have some idea of what they would like to spend on this park and the amount of equipment they would like to purchase prior to the neighborhood meeting. Gappa stated they typically notify the residents within one-half mile of the park. Ilse inquired whether it would be possible to place a satellite at Crystal Bay Park. Gappa stated they could probably add one. Hackberry Park Halvorson requested the weeds in the infield be sprayed at Hackberry Park. McDermott suggested Halvorson address the Council regarding the possibility of placing new play equipment at the Hackberry Park similar to the Navarre Park and that the Park Commission is planning a neighborhood meeting for this park. (#11) RECOGNITION OF DONORS McDermott inquired what the status was on the cabinet. Gappa stated he does have the name of the carpenter who indicated he would be willing to construct a cabinet and has talked to him once regarding this project. Gappa stated he would continue to pursue this project. PAGE 9 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,MAY 7,2001 (#12) PARK COMMISSIONER ASSIGNMENTS 2000-2001 Wolfe inquired who should be informed of non-conforming uses at parks. McDermott stated any problems with the parks should be reported to Gappa. Wolfe stated there is a big semi-trailer sitting in the fire lane by Casco Circle. Wolfe inquired whether snowmobilers were allowed on Casco Beach. Wolfe stated someone has removed the chain and has put in a new post so snowmobilers could drive through there. McDermott stated problems with vehicles parking illegally in the parks should be reported to Gappa. McDermott stated snowmobilers are not allowed on Casco Beach. Gappa stated he would look at the situation. McDermott noted Ilse's term has expired and inquired whether she would like to be reappointed to the Park Commission. Ilse indicated she would like to continue on the Park Commission. Ilse commented the grass at Bederwood looks very nice. Ilse stated a large amount of rock has washed into the wetland at the Stubbs Bay access. Ilse stated the catch basin at this location might be plugged due to the rocks. Ilse stated a resident has approached her regarding whether she could plant some flowers at the Seven Nations Park. Ilse stated she requested the resident to put her request in writing for consideration by the Park Commission. Silber indicated that the perennial grasses in this area would take over any flowers that would be planted and would require constant maintenance. Meyers suggested the proceeds from pull tab operations be discussed at the upcoming City Council meeting. Meyers stated in his view 10 percent of the proceeds should be allocated to the Park Fund. Wolfe noted some communities receive 15 percent. Meyers moved, Silber seconded,to recommend that 15 percent of the proceeds received from all pull tab operations located in the City of Orono be designated to the Orono Park Fund. VOTE: Ayes 7,Nays 0. COUNCIL MEETINGS May 14—Halvorson May 29—Ilse PAGE 10 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,MAY 7, 2001 ADJOURNMENT Bouchard moved,second by Halvorson,to adjourn the ting at 10:03 p.m. 7 , �' _ ...�... . , There being no further business to discuss "eeti rv�s �'d'ourne 10:03 p.m. /� � � rew McDermott, Chair PAGE 11