HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-02-2001 Park Commission Minutes CITY OF ORONO
PARKS,OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING
MONDAY,JULY 2,2001
(#1) ATTENDANCE
The Park Commission met on the above mentioned date with the following members present:
Chair Andrew McDermott, Commissioners Pauline Bouchard, Rick Meyers, Irene Silber,
Debora Halvorson, Sherokee Ilse and J. Patrick Wolfe. Representing Staff were Public Services
Director Greg Gappa and Recorder Jackie Young. City Council Representative Jay Nygard was
present.
Chair McDermott called the meeting to order at 7:17 p.m.
(#2) APPROVAL OF MAY,2001 MINUTES
Bouchard moved,Meyers seconded,to approve the minutes of the May 7,2001
Orono Parks,Open Space and Trail Commission meeting as submitted.
VOTE: Ayes 7,Nays 0.
(#3) JUNE COUNCIL MEETINGS
Meyers stated he attended the June 1 1`�' Council meeting where the park tour and the
improvements that have been made at the various parks were discussed.
Meyers stated the Navarre Park was also discussed, along with the possibility of a letter of
recognition being sent to the people who donated plants for the park and helped out with the
planting. Meyers stated an article could also be inserted into the local paper expressing the City's
thanks to the residents who helped with the Navarre Park.
Silber indicated she did not attend the June 25�"Council meeting.
(#4) PUBLIC COMMENTS
Seven Nations Park
Barabara Wolfe, 2760 Watertown Road, gave a brief update to the Park Commission on the
plantings recently undertaken at the Seven Nations Park by a group of local residents. Wolfe
noted she has been in contact with Greg Gappa regarding the plantings as well as a possible
donation in the amount of$800 from Travelers Service for the purchase of a cedar park bench.
McDermott stated at the neighborhood meeting that was held a couple of years ago regarding
improvements to this park, the residents indicated they would like to see a trail through this area.
McDermott stated the goal of the Park Commission is to have the trail mowed for four or five
years, observe what type of activity occurs on the trail, and then make a determination whether
a more permanent trail should be established based on the use. McDermott requested Wolfe
contact the City if she should observe that the trails are not being regularly mowed.
Wolfe indicated tl�e letter she has presented to the Park Commission tonight was distributed to
PAGE 1
CITY OF ORONO
PARKS,OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING
MONDAY,JULY 2,2001
approximately 25 neighbors of the Seven Nations Park in an effort to generate more interest in
this park. Wolfe inquired whether the pile of wood chips currently in the park could be utilized
on the trails.
Ilse thanked Wolfe for taking the initiative to help improve this park. Ilse inquired whether any
of the other neighbors have indicated a desire to help out at the park.
Wolfe stated she has received calls from two neighborhoods indicating they are unable to help at
this time.
Ilse encouraged Wolfe to continue to work with Greg Gappa on the purchase of the bench in
order to possibly obtain a better price tl�an purchasing it individually. Iise inquired whether the
Park Commission is interested in having wood chips placed on the trail.
McDermott stated it would be nice to establish wood chip trails, but that the existing vegetation
should probably be removed prior to the wood chips being placed on the trail. McDermott
inquired whether Staff would be able to scrap the vegetation off and place the wood chips on the
trails with a bobcat.
Gappa suggested that perhaps a pathway covered with wood chips out to the bench that they are
planning to purchase would be a better use of the wood chips. Gappa noted the trails have been
mowed every year but that he is unaware of what kind of use they have been getting.
McDermott recommended the bench be located in the lower area of the park versus the upper
area. McDermott suggested the trails be mowed on at least a monthly basis. McDermott stated
the bench would probably be located along one of the trails.
Meyers suggested a small area of the park be concentrated on since the funds to improve this park
are limited at this time. Meyers stated perhaps a nicer looking sign could also be erected.
Gappa commented the buckthorn in this area is also very thick and hard to remove.
Ilse suggested a subcommittee be formed to work with the neighbors interested in improving this
park. Ilse noted the driveway entrance at the lower area of the park has been eliminated.
Bouchard volunteered to serve on the subcommittee for this park.
Wolfe suggested the installation of water at this park also be a future consideration for the Park
Commission.
McDermott stated the well in this area was non-conforming and had to be abandoned.
McDermott commented he is unsure what the adjoining wells and water table in this area are like.
Gappa stated he also is unsure what the depth of the other wells are in this area. Gappa stated
money would need to be budgeted for this item.
McDermott requested Wolfe provide the Park Commission with a mailing list of the neighbors
who are interested in helping out with improvements to the park.
PAGE 2
CITY OF ORONO
PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING
MONDAY,JULY 2,2001
Lake Access Points
Stacy Bull, 4690 Tonkaview Lane, noted she previously submitted a petition to the Park
Commission concerning the lake access located at Forest Lake Landing. Bull stated some of the
neighbors have been inquiring about the progress being made on the access. Bull inquired when
this lake access point would be reopened to the general public. Bull noted she attempted to use it
yesterday, with access to the lake at this time being pretty impossible.
McDermott inquired what the City could do to make the access easier to use.
Bull inquired whether the access could be regraded back to the original grade. Bull noted the
slope in this area is very steep and it is very difficult to tell exactly where the lake access is.
McDermott stated it is his understanding the right-of-way goes all the way to the residence
located to the left of the access. McDermott stated basically the front lawn of that residence is
within the lake access.
Bull noted the stakes denoting the lake access point have also been removed. Bull stated in the
past the pathway down to the lake was located more to the south than to the north, with the
property to the north remaining basically the same for the past 30 years.
McDermott stated there is a row of arborvitae on the right-hand side, which is one edge of the
public right-of-way give or take a couple of feet. McDermott indicated the area to the left, all the
way to the foundation of the residence, is the other edge of the right-of-way. McDermott noted
the play structure,the deck, and the stairway are located mainly on public land.
Ilse commented she is unsure of the Park Commission's role in dealing with the lake access
points, and questioned whether the Park Commission has the authority to deal with these issues
being raised by the neighbors. Ilse noted the City Council would have the final say on these lake
access points and that their philosophy is that public property is public property. Ilse stated the
residents may need to take their concerns to the City Council.
Bull stated the neighbors would basically like this access point restored back to a small
neighborhood access like it had existed in the past. Bull stated the changes that have been made
to this area in the past few years are what have prevented the local residents from utilizing this
access point. Bull stated she is aware of an individual who drove his truck down to the lake a
couple of years ago, which is impossible today.
McDermott stated this would be considered a city park with motorized vehicles not being
allowed. McDermott noted this would be a walking path only. McDermott stated the Park
Commission is in agreement that every resident should have access to the lakeshore on available
City property. McDermott commented the legal access to the lake might be located in a different
location than what the neighbors have been using in the past, and that the Park Commission has
recommended to the Council that this lake access remain open. McDermott stated it is the desire
of the Park Commission to have every lake access point clearly designated and marked over the
next few years.
Jay Nygard, City Council Representative, stated Orono is following the lead of other
communities around the lake by starting to mark and identify the City's fire lanes and lake access
PAGE 3
CITY OF ORONO
PARKS,OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING
MONDAY,JULY 2,2001
points. Nygard stated the DNR has indicated if the cities do not start utilizing these lake access
points and fire lanes for public good, the DNR may take them back. Nygard expressed frustration
that the markers at this lake access point have been pulled, i�oting it costs the taxpayers money to
have the land surveyed and marked, and that a complaint has been filed with the Police
Department.
Nygard stated since this is a fire lane, there is driving access, and to his understanding it has been
classified for snowmobile access. Nygard stated in his opinion this lake access point should be
made available to the neighbors and that a satisfactory conclusion can be reached in this situation.
McDermott clarified that this lake access is a platted road and not a fire lane, with the Park
Commission having voted to recommend that this be classified as a swimming beach with no
snowmobile access because Orono's Ordinance does not allow both.
Gappa stated there is a 60 foot wide platted right-of-way in this area, which was platted back on
July 5, 1921. Gappa illustrated on the overhead where the location of the lake access is. Gappa
stated the row of arborvitae is close to one edge of the right-of-way. Gappa noted he does have
photographs of the location of the stakes and that the markers could be replaced from the
photographs.
Bull inquired why the property owner was not told at the time of construction tl�at this may be a
problem.
Gappa stated a portion of the driveway is located on public land, which should not prevent people
from having access to the lake. Gappa stated if this is classified as a beach, motorized traffic
should not be allowed.
McDermott noted the City Council would make the ultimate decision on how this lake access
point should be classified.
Bull inquired whether they should speak to the City Council about having this area regraded.
McDermott noted grading is not allowed within the 0-75' zone, and that perhaps some steps or
safe pathway could be established.
Gappa stated in his opinion this area has not been regraded outside of the area for the driveway,
which was relatively flat at the time construction commenced.
Mr. Line indicated they have not changed the grade in this area either to the north or south. Line
stated the area is overgrown with brush.
Meyers stated the Park Commission feels there should be access in this area, but that the exact
location of the access is undetermined at this time. Meyers stated the access might be different
than what it was in the past. Meyers stated the issue is that the neighbars are allowed access
down to the lake.
McDermott stated at this time the Park Commission has recommended to the City Council that
this area be classified as a swimming beach, with no motorized vehicles being allowed.
PAGE 4
CITY OF ORONO
PARKS,OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING
MONDAY,JULY 2,2001
Halvorson noted this area is too steep at the present time to accommodate motorized vehicles.
Gappa indicated it would require a substantial amount of grading in the area in order to
accommodate motorized vehicles, which is something the City probably would not approve.
Tim Lemke indicated he lives in this area and does not see the sense to restoring this lake access
point. Lemke stated he has lived in this area two to three years prior to the Lines moving in and
that he has not observed anyone utilizing this access point, especially motorized vehicles. Lemke
noted there is no parking in the area and that he does not see the sense to allowing people access
to the lake at this location.
McDermott stated it is the intention to make this an access point which would be available to the
local neighbors within walking distance. McDermott stated the City is not going to put this lake
access point on the map or encourage motorized traffic in this area. McDermott stated the Park
Commission simply would like to establish a safe pathway to the lake.
Lemke stated in llis view this area is worthless for swimming and that a beach really does not
exist in this area. Lemke stated there are much better places to swim than at this lake access
point.
Meyers noted the Park Commission has merely made recommendations to the Council on how
these lake access points should be classified and that the Council will be making the final
decision. Meyers stated the City is legally unable to abandon the lake access points, and that the
Park Commission would like every resident within the City to have access to the lakeshore
regardless if they own ]akeshore or not.
REPORTS/UPDATES:
(#5) PARK TOUR ASSESSMENT AND REFLECTIONS
Silber stated in her opinion it was a great tour.
Bouchard commented in her view it was very helpful for the Park Commission and City Council
to have the opportunity to tour the parks and discuss what improvements should be made.
McDermott inquired whether Gappa has received any comments regarding Sandy Beach.
Gappa stated the only comment he has received from the neighbors in the area is that they would
have liked some notice that the Park Commission was going to be in the area. Gappa stated it
was his understanding all the neighbors in the area were informed of the tour, but unfortunately
some of the neighbors apparently did not receive notice.
McDermott noted the Park Commission would like to trim the vegetation back somewhat and
make the beach wider in this area.
Ilse stated the portable bathroom at Crystal Bay can now be removed.
PAGE 5
CITY OF ORONO
PARKS,OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING
MONDAY,JULY 2,2001
Gappa indicated he has told Staff to remove it. Gappa suggested a bathroom enclosure similar to
Hackberry be constructed at Crystal Bay. Gappa stated a new driveway would need to be
constructed prior to the new bathroom being installed.
McDermott noted Hackberry is next on the list for improvements. McDermott suggested a
neighborhood meeting to discuss possible improvements to Hackberry be scheduled for
December possibly, with the Park Commission discussing Crystal Bay over the winter.
(#6) NAVARRE PARK
Letters of Recognition/Certificate
McDermott noted Meyers has a list of participants who volunteered with the planting at the
Navarre Park. McDermott indicated he has spoken with City Administrator Moorse regarding a
letter of thanks and certificate of appreciation from the City to the people who donated plants and
helped with the landscaping. McDermott stated a press release along with a picture will be
published in the local newspaper.
McDermott recommended Gappa speak with the City Administrator and the City Council about a
possible ribbon cutting ceremony for the Navarre Park.
Gappa requested a list of the participants be provided to him prior to the next City Council
meeting so the letters can be included in the Council packet.
Si(ber thanked Meyers for all his time and efforts in making the Navarre Park a success.
Status of Crosswalk/Pedestrian Signs/Accessible Parking Stall
Gappa questioned whether walking on the hill will cause it to become eroded and whether the
Park Commission should do something else in that area.
Meyers suggested the Park Commission monitor how it is used for a couple of years and whether
the grass on the slope becomes worn. Meyers stated a tiered stairway could be constructed if it
becomes necessary.
Silber inquired whether this park is still being used frequently.
Meyers indicated the park is still well used. Meyers stated in order for the handicap parking stall
to be legal at this park it will need to be on the far east side of the parking lot and occupy two
stalls. Meyers stated an upright sign and a ground sign is also needed. Meyers requested the
crosswalk to this park also be painted.
Status of State Aid Dollars
Gappa stated he would have the signs erected. Gappa indicated the City is still waiting for a
settlement on County Road 6 before any state aid is allocated to the trail.
PAGE 6
CITY OF ORONO
PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING
MONDAY,JULY 2,2001
McDermott stated it would be nice to have at least the first block of the trail constructed next year
since that is a fairly busy section along County Road 19.
Status of Letter to MS Society
The Park Commission reviewed a letter addressed to James Anderst regarding a request for funds
to help offset the costs of some of the improvements at the Navarre Park.
Wolfe stated in his view the letter should be directly addressed to the MS Society and that any
mention of charitable gambling should be removed from the letter.
Gappa stated Anderst had approached him regarding a letter requesting funds from the MS
Society. Gappa indicated Anderst allows a donation box for MS Society at his establishment and
that he is attempting to have the MS Society direct the funds raised at his business back into the
Navarre area.
Bouchard stated the second sentence of the first paragraph could be deleted, which would remove
any mention of charitable gambling.
Post& Chain Barrier
Meyers suggested some 8 by 8 foot posts with a chain in-between them be erected along the road
rather than a wood rail fence. Meyers stated in his opinion this type of fence would fit in better
with the nautical theme and require less maintenance.
Gappa noted the parking lot in this area would be paved and striped.
(#7) SAGA HILL
Gappa stated it is difficult to get back to the Saga Hill area to finish staking due to the
construction and that he is waiting for construction on the Brenshell development to be
completed. Gappa noted due to the construction in the area, it is difficult to access Saga Hill.
(#8) HACKBERRY
Gappa stated if the Park Commission would like a bigger map, he could blow up the existing map
on the copy machine.
Halvorson suggested a neighborhood meeting be held to discuss possible improvements at this
park.
Gappa stated he will ask Earl Anderson to do a sketch of the area.
PAGE 7
CITY OF ORONO
PARKS,OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING
MONDAY,JULY 2,2001
(#9) 39 LAKE ACCESS POINTS
McDermott distributed a copy of Bouchard's e-mail to the members of the Park Commission.
Bouchard indicated she wrote down a methodical approach to the lake access points and the steps
that should be taken as part of an overall plan. Bouchard stated in her view the first step should
be to survey or mark each access point over the next couple of years.
McDermott stated the Mayor has indicated she would like all of the lake access points marked
within the next three years, which would average 15 a year.
Meyers recommended a more permanent marking system be arrived at to avoid the need to
remark the area should the stakes be removed.
McDermott stated a lot of the lake access points might already have the steel pins identifying the
borders, with Staff just needing to locate those.
Bouchard stated Step#2 would be informal site classification. Bouchard stated this step would
encompass the Park Commission or Council going through each lake access point and identifying
what each site is going to require in terms of improvements and a time schedule.
Bouchard stated Step#3 would be the Council adopting an ordinance regulating the lake access
points. Bouchard noted public hearings would probably be needed regarding the lake access
points. Bouchard stated it is important there is sufficient money in the budget in order to
accomplish these steps as well as maintain the lake access points in the future.
Meyers recommended the City accept one bid for all the lake access points, with the survey work
being done over the next three years.
Gappa stated in his view it is important to have a registered land surveyor conduct the work in
order to insure that the surveys are accurate.
McDermott inquired whether there was sufficient money in the City's budget to pay for the costs
of the surveys.
Gappa stated the Council will be having their first work session regarding the budget in the next
few weeks.
McDermott requested Gappa inform the Council this item is separate from the Park Commission
budget.
Gappa stated the funds would most likely come from the general fund.
Ilse stated she would like to add an item regarding upkeep of these lake access points. Ilse noted
in the past the adjacent property owners have been maintaining them.
McDermott stated Orono's Ordinance asks the property owners to maintain the lake access points
as if they were their own property.
PAGE 8
CITY OF ORONO
PARKS,OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING
MONDAY,JLTLY 2,2001
Bouchard stated it was the intention of her e-mail to give the Park Commission a document from
which they could work off o£ Bouchard stated in her view it would be appropriate to include an
item recognizing the rights and responsibilities of the adjacent property owners.
McDermott stated he will attempt to have a draft ordinance ready by the next meeting for review
by the Park Commission. McDermott indicated he would meet with Bouchard to determine an
order in which the lake access points should be surveyed. McDermott noted Big [sland should
also be inc(uded on this list.
(#10) SEVEN NATIONS PARK
This item was discussed under public comments.
(#11) RECOGNITION OF DONORS
McDermott inquired whether Gappa has any new information regarding the construction of the
display case.
Gappa indicated he did attempt to contact the individual a while ago but was unable to reach him.
McDermott requested Gappa attempt to make contact with the individual to see whether he would
be willing to construct a display case.
(#12) PARK COMMISSIONER ASSIGNMENTS—2001
McDermott thanked Bouchard for organizing the clean-up crew at Cygnet Park.
Bouchard stated in her view it would be nice to have a portable bathroom facility installed at
Crystal Bay in the near future. Bouchard reported her parks are in good shape at the present time.
Halvorson inquired whether the buckthorn at French Creek was burned this year. Halvorson
stated she was unable to tell whether it had been burned this year.
Gappa stated the buckthorn was burned and sprayed this spring. Gappa questioned whether the
burning was very effective.
McDermott noted the City missed burning the buckthorn a couple of years, which resulted in the
City losing any ground they had made in eliminating the buckthorn.
Gappa stated the City is now on a maintenance contract for burning of the buckthorn.
McDermott commented it takes a number of years to establish a prairie.
Bouchard stated in her view it is important to keep the trail around the marsh mowed.
PAGE 9
CITY OF ORONO
PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING
MONDAY,JULY 2,2001
McDermott stated when the paths are not mowed on a regular basis,the people tend to quit using
them.
Halvorson stated a number of neighborhood dogs are allowed to run through this area, which has
resulted in the water fowl leaving the area. Halvorson noted currently there are no signs
preventing dogs in this area.
Gappa stated the CSO has been out there a number of times responding to calls, but it is difficult
to enforce. Gappa stated Staff could erect some signs saying no dogs allowed.
Ilse suggested a letter be sent to the neighboring properties requesting they keep their dogs out of
this area in order to help protect the habitat. Ilse concurred that some signs should be erected at
this park.
McDermott requested Halvorson draft a letter for distribution to the neighbors, along with some
possible language for a sign in this area.
Ilse suggested the sign could read"birds nesting, no dogs please".
McDermott commented the rebuilding of the bird houses would be a good project for the Boy
Scouts.
Halvorson stated the weeds at Hackberry were sprayed earlier in the year. Halvorson suggested
the weeds be resprayed since they are now growing back.
Gappa stated he would check with an individual who has some special equipment that can handle
the spraying to see whether he would be interested in respraying the field.
Ilse commented it would be nice to have some decent play equipment at this park. Ilse reported
the concession stand lights are on.
Gappa stated it is his understanding the baseball association handles the lights at the concession
stand. Gappa stated the City does not maintain that.
Ilse stated the Stubbs Bay Road access is experiencing mare and more city traffic recently, with
people still parking in the area even though it is posted no parking. Ilse stated she has noticed
three to four cars parked in the area. Ilse expressed safety concerns with parked cars in this area
since the road is rather narrow.
Gappa stated he would notify the police department of the illegal parked cars.
McDermott inquired why the gates at Lydiard Beach were unlocked again.
Gappa inquired whether the milfoil people were working in the area.
McDermott stated the milfoil people were there last week but have finished their work.
McDermott stated he noticed the gate was unlocked Saturday.
Gappa stated he is unsure why the gate is unlocked.
PAGE 10
CITY OF ORONO
PARKS,OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING
MONDAY,JULY 2,2001
McDermott commented that perhaps the milfoil people merely shut the gate and did not lock it
after they had completed their work in the area. McDermott suggested he be given a key to lock
the gate.
Gappa stated he will give a key to McDermott.
McDermott stated he also has received a number of complaints following the removal of the
milfoil stating that a bunch of the milfoil has floated down into the lagoon.
McDermott stated there is also a bird bath located at Tower Park, which has become overgrown
with shrubs. McDermott suggested the bird bath be relocated to the Navarre Park.
Meyers recommended City crew mow a(ong County Road 19.
McDermott inquired whether the contractor would mow the recently planted grass the first few
times.
Gappa stated they would probably have someone come in and mow tlle whole park.
Meyers recommended the mowing contract also include picking up branches and sticks that have
fallen during rainstorms. Meyers suggested the park be mowed once a week since it is now being
used more heavily.
Gappa stated he will contact the contractor who does the mowing.
Silber stated Highwood is doing fine.
Mrs. Line commented that there are a number of old appliances which have been dumped near
Saga Hill.
Silber stated she has not visited Lowry Woods yet.
Wolfe commented the Casco Point ice rink and park are in great shape. Wolfe stated on the
eastern piece going out of Casco Circle Park,the property owner in the area has a bunch of
equipment and a semi-trailer parked near the beach on city-owned property.
Wolfe stated the homeowner on the east side of Casco Beach has relocated the columns so
snowmobilers can access the shoreline. Wolfe recommended the posts be moved, with a chain
installed to prevent snowmobilers from accessing the lake at this location.
Gappa stated the Baseball Association has not filed an application yet for the improvements to the
Lee Carlson fields.
McDermott stated while on the park tour a number of items were noticed that were not addressed
on their plan, such as traffic circulation. McDermott stated there currently is no turn-around,
which needs to be addressed.
Gappa stated the Baseball Association did meet with Gaffron following the park tour where those
issues were discussed.
PAGE 11
CITY OF ORONO
PARKS,OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING
MONDAY,JULY 2,2001
McDermott inquired whether a checklist for maintenance of the parks should be developed.
Meyers inquired whether one particular person was assigned to handie maintenance at the parks.
Gappa stated currently he has a couple of people who do minor maintenance wark at the parks.
Gappa stated they tend to take care of the items that need work, with not much more attention
being given to the parks. Gappa suggested if one of the Park Commissioners notice a problem at
one of the parks,to call Staff and inform them of the problem.
Meyers inquired whether it would be possible to have one or two people specifically assigned to
do maintenance at the parks.
Silber commented that is a staff issue and is really not something the Park Commission should get
into.
Gappa stated historically the City has not devoted much effort to the local parks. Gappa stated
due to a lack of manpower, they are unable to do much more than routine maintenance at the
parks.
Meyers stated since tlle number of parks has increased,the City should take a look at possibly
adding a staff person to handle the maintenance at the parks.
Gappa agreed tllat an additional person to oversee the parks would be desirable and that some
consideration should be given to adding additional staff to the Public Works Department. Gappa
noted levy limits will be in place again far next year.
Bouchard stated it would make sense to have one person specifically delegated to parks who
would oversee that the maintenance items and mowing are taken care of.
McDermott suggested this item be discussed in a Council workshop session.
Halvorson stated the City should not expect the residents to do the majority of the work at the
parks.
Meyers commented the neighbors can make a difference at their park. Meyers agreed that the
City cannot rely too heavily on volunteers to maintain the parks.
NEW BUSINESS
(#13) ECOLOGICAL INVENTORY,ASSESSMENT AND RESTORATION PLAN OF
CITY OPENSPACE
McDermott inquired whether any of the grant information obtained by Silber had anything
relating to inventory, assessment, or biological assets.
Silber stated she would be happy to look through the information.
PAGE 12
CITY OF ORONO
PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING
MONDAY,JULY 2,2001
McDermott stated in his view the City needs to look at each of these natural areas to see what is
necessary to maintain the parks and restore the natural ecosystem at each of the parks.
McDermott stated in his opinion a professional opinion on how to restore and maintain the parks
might be beneficial.
Gappa stated if the parks are not maintained,they tend to become overgrown with weeds.
Ilse stated in her opinion if the City is not committed financially to maintaining and restoring the
parks, it might not be feasible to hire a consultant at this time.
McDermott stated the Council would need to be supportive of this project. McDermott indicated
any grant money would need to be matched by the City.
Ilse suggested this item be discussed in a work session.
Silber stated if the Dakota Rail project goes forward, she would like to write a grant to see
whether funds can be obtained to develop a way station in the Crystal Bay area. Silber stated in
her view if the Dakota Rail project is approved, some grant money should be available to help
offset the costs to construct the trail.
Nygard stated in his view the City should have a means by which the residents of the City can
donate money towards tl�e parks.
(#14) PULL TABS
McDermott inquired what the status of the ordinance was regulating pulltabs.
Gappa stated the ordinance wouid need to be reviewed and perhaps revised. Gappa stated he
would try to have this item put on the next City Council agenda.
McDermott suggested this item be discussed during the Park Commission portion of the City
Council agenda.
(#15) OTHER ISSUES
McDermott noted the City has received a letter from Pearson & Pearson relating to the lake
access point located at Forest Arm.
McDermott stated the Park Commission will need to revisit the issue of having a pedestrian trail
along the south side of 394. McDermott stated the Park Commission did discuss this item
previously, with the Commission identifying certain priorities. The first priority was between
Willow and Holbrook Park; two, O►d Crystal Bay and Carlson Park; and three, dead end of
Stubbs Bay Road either over 394 or along the south side of 394 to County Road 6.
McDermott stated he would like a motion either approving or disapproving this concept.
McDermott stated Staff has been unable to find the minutes reflecting the recommendation of the
Park Commission on this item.
PAGE 13
CITY OF ORONO
PARKS,OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING
MONDAY,JULY 2,2001
Silber moved,Bouchard seconded,to recommend the City request that Mn/DOT establish
trails along the south side of the new Highway 12 corridor,with the first priority being a
trail between Willow and Holbrook Park; second priority being between Old Crystal Bay
and Carlson Park; and the third priority being from the dead end of Stubbs Bay Road
either over 394 or along the south side of 394 to County Road 6.
Ilse noted at the present time snowmobilers are able to cross Highway 12. Ilse inquired how
snowmobilers will be able to cross Highway 12 once the construction is completed.
McDermott stated they would not be able to cross legally.
Ilse commented that the Park Commission has not discussed this issue previously.
McDermott stated there will be an eight foot wide sidewalk along the east side of Highway 12.
The Park Commission discussed possible routes for snowmobilers following completion of the
new Highway 12 corridor.
McDermott stated at this point any trail would be for pedestrians only. McDermott stated a
separate motion could be made recommending snowmobile access be allowed across County
Road 6 and Highway 12.
Ilse questioned whether priority nwnber two should be made the number one priority.
McDermott stated at the present time the Carlson property is inaccessible, with access to that
property being the number one priarity at this time.
Ilse suggested the motion be amended making a trail between Old Crystal Bay and Carlson Park
the number one priority.
McDermott amended the motion to read,"The Park Commission recommends the City
request Mn/DOT establish trails along the south side of the new Highway 12 corridor,the
first priority being a trail between Old Crystal Bay and Carlson Park,with the second
priority being a trail between Willow and Holbrook Park,and the third priority being a
trail from the dead end of Stubbs Bay Road either over 394 or along the south side of 394 to
County Road 6."
Halvorson inquired about the trail between Willow and Holbrook Park. Halvorson noted
Holbrook is located in Long Lake.
McDermott stated that area is utilized by a number of Orono residents. McDermott noted at the
present time there are no shoulders along Watertown Road. McDermott stated this is merely a
recommendation to Mn/DOT that they include a pedestrian traiL McDermott indicated the
Lurton property had not been dedicated to the City at the time the Park Commission originally
discussed this topic.
Ilse questioned why the trail segments were being prioritized.
PAGE 14
CITY OF ORONO
PARKS,OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING
MONDAY,JULY 2,2001
McDermott stated City Administratar Moorse requested the Park Cammission prioritize the trails
a number of months ago. McDermott stated this is to give some guidance to the City and
Mn/DOT on where the trails should be located. McDermott stated there will be sidewalks going
along County Road 6, over Highway 12, to the Lurton property.
Ilse commented County Road 6 is not an ideal location for a trail due to the heavy traffic.
McDermott stated the Park Commission had previously voted to have a trail along County
Road 6.
Ilse questioned whether a trail from County Road 6 to Stubbs Bay and then to the Carlson
property is more of a priority tlian a trail to Holbrook.
McDermott stated the motion could be amended.
Ilse amended the motion to read,"The Park Commission recommends the City request
Mn/DOT establish trails along the south side of the new Highway 12 corridor,with the first
priority being a trail between Old Crystal Bay and Carlson Park,the second priority being
a trail from the dead end of Stubbs Bay Road either over 394 or along the south side to
County Road 6,and the third priority being a trail between Willow and Holbrook Park.
Halvorson seconded the amended motion.
VOTE: Ayes 7,Nays 0.
COUNCIL MEETINGS
July 9—Bouchard
July 23 —Wolfe
ADJOURNMENT
Bouchard moved,Meyers seconded,to adjourn the meeting at 10:17 p.m.
There being no further business to discu djourned at 10:17 p.m.
,-- � �
, �
An rew McDermott, Chair
PAGE 15