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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-01-2001 Park Commission Minutes MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS,OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,OCTOBER 1,2001 7:15 o'clock p.m. (#1) ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met on the above mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Andrew McDermott, Commissioners Debora Halvorson, Rick Meyers,Pauline Bouchard, Sherokee Ilse, Irene Silber, and J. Patrick Wolfe. Representing Staff was Recorder Jackie Young. Chair McDermott called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. (#2) APPROVAL OF AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER,2001 MINUTES A corrected was made on Page 6. Wolfe moved,Meyers seconded,to approve the minutes of the Orono Parks,Open Spaces and Trails Commission Meeting of August 6,2001,as amended. VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 0,Halvorson and Bouchard Abstained. Corrections were made on Pages 7 and 11. Silber moved,Ilse seconded,to approve the minutes of the Orono Parks,Open Spaces and Trails Commission Meeting of September 4,2001,as amended. VOTE: Ayes 7,Nays 0. (#3) SEPTEMBER COUNCIL MEETINGS Ilse stated she attended the August 13`"Council meeting, with the lake access points and classifications being discussed. The Council also discussed the possible classification "natural area". The Council concurred with the letter going out to the residents of the French Creek area, and recommended the mailing area be widened. Ilse stated the main topic of discussion at the meeting was the proposed ordinance regarding boat storage. McDermott stated the Council eventually approved the ardinance,with the maximum height and length of the boat being discussed. Staff was directed to enforce the ordinance whenever a complaint is received. The ordinance also requires the boat to be stored five feet from the property line. McDermott questioned whether the right-of-way would be considered as part of the measurement from the property line. Staff was also directed to look at ways to handle complaints and whether restrictions should be placed on the area where a complaint can come from. McDermott stated in his view Council Member Sansevere had an excellent point when he raised safety issues regarding the height of the boats and the boats being stored up on blocks. Halvorson stated she attended the August 27`h Council meeting, with a public hearing being held on the Coffee Channel/snowmobile access issue. Halvorson stated a number of people from Mound were present and spoke at the hearing. Halvorson stated the Council directed Staff to work with the DNR to see whether additional land could be acquired and whether funding would be available to help deal with this issue. Halvorson stated another option was construction of a snowmobile trail along PAGE 1 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS,OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, OCTOBER 1,2001 7:15 o'clock p.m. County Road 19,with the floating bridge having been deemed to be unsafe. McDermott stated the City Administrator had spoken with Hennepin County regarding the Coffee Channel bridge, noting the County does not plan on making any improvements to the bridge for the next five years. McDermott stated in the County's opinion the bridge should be structurally sound for the next 30 years. Halvorson stated Staff was directed to work with the DNR and the LMCD in order to arrive at a solution, with the Mayor indicating that snowmobiling is a privilege and not a right and that all snowmobilers need to respect the rights of others and their property. Halvorson commented that snowmobilers do quite a bit of damage to the shoreline and rip-rap. Halvorson stated she did mention possible improvements to Hackberry Park, with the Council informing her that no additional money has been allocated to the Park Fund for any improvements in the coming year. Halvorson stated the Council advised her that if the Park Commission is interested in doing some improvements to Hackberry Park,they may need to consider borrowing the money from another fund, which would need to be repaid. Ilse noted she did indicate to the Council that the Park Commission had passed a motion recommending that the gambling ordinance be reconsidered. (#4) PUBLIC COMMENTS None REPORTS/UPDATES: (#5) FUNDRAISING Meyers reported he attended the golf tournament sponsored by the Narrows Saloon, with attendance being lower than anticipated due to the poor weather. Meyers stated he would like to arrange a press release thanking Mr. Anderst for his efforts in arranging this tournament. Meyers stated in his view the Park Fund should receive approximately$2,000 to $3,000 from this event. Halvorson indicated she also attended this event, and encouraged the other Park Commission members to participate in this event next year. Meyers stated Anderst would like to make this an annual event, with possibly a dinner or food being served at next year's tournament. Meyers commented in his view this is a great opportunity for the residents of Orono to become involved in raising funds for the local parks. PAGE 2 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS,OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,OCTOBER 1,2001 7:15 o'clock p.m. (#6) NAVARRE PARK Meyers stated he did provide Gappa with a list of the donors and also provided a list to Staff to include in the City newsletter. Meyers stated he is unsure at this time whether they included it in the fall newsletter, but indicated he will check on that item. McDermott indicated the draft copy of the City newsletter he has does not mention the donors, with the newsletter supposed to be going out in September. Bouchard recommended the cut-out coupon include the statement that their donation is tax deductible. It was the consensus of the Park Commission to include the statement that donations are tax-deductible on the cut-out coupon. Ilse commented she does not like the present heading for the cut-out coupon and recommended stronger language encouraging donations be considered. Halvorson suggested that perhaps some upcoming projects be listed that the funding would be used for. Meyers stated the Hennepin Park System lists a number of programs and projects that they have,with the people able to check the program they would like their contribution to go towards. Meyers stated the Park Commission may also want to consider holding a referendum in order to help fund the improvements at the local parks. Meyers noted the City of Minnetonka passed a$1.5 million referendum for parks. McDermott stated he will check with the City Administrator regarding the status of the newsletter and whether anything can still be added. OTHER ISSUES: Seven Nations Park Ilse noted Barb Wolf with the Lutheran Aid Association has donated two benches for Seven Nations Park; one with a back and one without a back. Ilse indicated she would be meeting with Wolf to decide on an appropriate location for the benches. Ilse reported the wood chips have also been placed on the trail. McDermott noted placement of the wood chips directly on the trail may prove to be ineffective in keeping the weeds and grasses from growing since landscaping fabric was not used. Skateboard Park Ilse reported she was approached by Rich Anderson of North Shore Marina who indicated he would be willing to make a donation towards a skate board park. Ilse stated she has four very interested kids who are interested in meeting with Anderson and herself about the possibility of a skate board park. PAGE 3 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS,OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,OCTOBER 1,2001 7:15 o'clock p.m. McDermott noted the Park Commission was considering Crystal Bay Park for a skate board park. Meyers stated in his view if the road in that area is blocked off, there should be approximately 150 to 160 feet in which to construct a skate board park. Ilse inquired whether the Park Commission should make a motion recommending vacation of this road. McDermott recommended the Park Commission delay any formal action on a skate board park until the Park Commission develops a complete concept plan for this park, which would include vacation of the road, with the entire package being presented to the City Council for their review and approval. Silber and Bouchard concurred that the Park Commission needs to develop a full concept plan identifying all the improvements to the park. Meyers noted there are a number of kids who routinely use the parking lot in Navarre for skate boarding and that there is a need for this type of park in Orono. Meyers stated there are safety issues that would need to be considered if a skate board park is constructed. McDermott suggested this item be brought up for discussion at the next City Council meeting. Bouchard volunteered to speak with Gappa to see whether a site map of this park can be obtained and determine what size of a skate board park can be constructed at this location. Halvorson inquired whether there is room available for parking. McDermott stated there could possibly be some room available along the roadway, with parking also being available at the Post Office. McDermott stated in his opinion some parking will need to be included in the plan. Sprint Tower Ilse reported Sprint would be reappearing before the City Council at their next meeting requesting consideration of a cell tower. Ilse stated they do have towers available resembling a tree, with some income being generated from the tower. Ilse suggested the Council be approached about the possibility of this money being allocated to the Park Fund if a cell tower is approved at Crystal Bay Park. (#6) NAVARRE PARK,CONTINUED McDermott stated he has no information concerning the status of the request to the MS Society for a drinking fountain or the status of state aid dollars for the sidewalk along County Road 19. (#7)PARK DEDICATION FEE ACCOUNT McDermott reported he did have a long conversation with the City Administrator regarding the Park Fund. The City loaned the Park Fund money to purchase the parcel of land located on Shadywood, PAGE 4 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS,OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,OCTOBER 1,2001 7:15 o'clock p.m. which would need to be repaid back. McDermott stated the City reflected the $120,000 loan on the Park Fund as a payback, and that possibly the money could be paid back over a period of ten years or so rather than in one year. Ilse stated the Park Commission needs to know exactly how much is in the Park Fund. McDermott stated the Council could allow the Park Commission to pay back this money over a period of years, which would leave some funds available to do improvements. Halvorson inquired what the City is projecting for income from new developments this coming year. Halvorson noted the City Council informed her at the September Council meeting that no money is available in this year's budget for park improvements. McDermott stated the park dedication fee is received only on new subdivisions. Wolfe noted the Park Fund is supposed to receive $5,000 from the General Fund every year. McDermott recommended a joint work session be scheduled with the City Council to discuss this item, noting that it is difficult to plan for improvements if there is no money available. Meyers suggested the surrounding communities be called to see how they fund their parks and what services and functions the city provides. McDermott stated the maintenance on the parks is done by City Crew and is not assessed against the Park Fund. McDermott suggested the other cities also be asked what they typically spend on park maintenance every year. Ilse volunteered to write out a list of questions to ask the other communities and e-mail it to each Park Commission member for their review and comment. Wolfe noted the City of Orono is rich in park land but has done very little to help make the park land useable. (#8) HACKBERRY McDermott recommended the improvements to Hackberry Park be brought up again at the next City Council meeting. Halvorson commented the Park Commission could consider turning Hackberry Park into a SOs park and utilize older play equipment if the funds are not available to purchase new equipment. Halvorson stated the play equipment could be painted marine blue to fit in with the nautical theme at tlie Navarre Park. McDermott noted safety issues would be a concern if older play equipment is used. PAGE 5 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS,OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,OCTOBER 1,2001 7:15 o'clock p.m. (#9) FRENCH CREEK Halvorson stated she is unaware if the letter has been sent out to the area residents. McDermott suggested Halvorson check with Gappa on the status of the letter. Halvorson reported a sign has been added at the French Creek Preserve within the past month saying that dogs must be on leashes. Halvorson stated it was her understanding the language agreed on for the sign at this park was that no dogs would be allowed in this area since it is a bird nesting and wildlife habitat. McDermott stated the recommendation from the Park Commission was that no dogs be allowed. Silber stated it is her understanding that the City Council is not opposed to restricting dogs at this park. (#10) RECOGNITION OF DONORS McDermott stated he does not have any information concerning the status of the donor case. Meyers stated the gentleman is still willing to construct a case but that no one has approached him with any funds. McDermott suggested Meyers and himself speak with the gentleman and find out how much it would cost to construct the case. OTHER ISSUES,CONTINUED McDermott requested the members of the Park Commission consider possible names for the Lurton property. McDermott noted the Park Commission has not formally adopted the name Lurton for this park. Silber suggested the name Kay Famm be considered. Halvorson stated the Park Commission in the past has retained the name of the donor as the name of the park. Ilse volunteered to contact the Lurtons to see if they would be agreeable to having this piece of property be called Lurton Park. (#11) DAKOTA RAIL/TRAIL Meyers stated he saw an article in the local newspaper regarding the Dakota Rail. Meyers stated it is anticipated the costs to construct this trail will be approximately $1.5 million to $1.7 million. Meyers suggested the Park Commission consider writing and signing a letter for publication in the local PAGE 6 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,OCTOBER 1,2001 7:15 dclock p.m. newspapers indicating their support of this trail. Meyers stated if this trail is not constructed, a great opportunity will be lost for many generations to construct a trail in this area. Ilse suggested that perhaps the other cities involved in this project also be contacted to see if they would be willing to write a letter supporting the traiL Ilse stated in her view Meyers should also write a letter individually since he has been heavily involved in this project. Meyers indicated he would be willing to write a letter as an individual, but that the Park Commission should also submit a letter to the local newspapers. McDermott concurred that the Park Commission as a whole could submit a letter supporting the trail. Bouchard volunteered to draft a letter in conjunction with Silber. Bouchard indicated she will provide each Park Commission member a copy of the draft letter for their review and input. Silber suggested the economic benefits that each community receives from the construction of this trail also be included in the letter. McDermott stated construction of this trail would also help with the development plan in each city. (#12) PARK COMMISSIONER ASSIGNMENTS,2001 Casco Point Wolfe reported that some damage has occurred to the Casco Point Park ice rink due to kids playing football in that area when the ground was wet. Wolfe stated the area would probably need to be graded and reseeded. Wolfe suggested that a garbage can also be placed at this park. McDermott recommended the grading and reseeding work occur in the spring. French Creek Preserve Halvorson stated the trails in the French Creek Preserve should be mowed again,noting they are presently impassable. Halvorson reported the picnic table at this park has also been removed. Meyers stated it is his understanding the picnic table was relocated to the Navarre Park. Halvorson inquired what the long-term goal of the Park Commission is for this area. McDermott noted the Park Commission discussed the picnic table at the French Creek Preserve and how it was never used and that it could perhaps be relocated to the Navarre Park. McDermott stated the picnic table could be placed back at the French Creek Preserve if Halvarson felt there was a need for one. Halvorson stated in her view a picnic table may not be needed but that a couple of benches along the trail would be nice. McDermott stated City crew would need to be contacted about better maintaining this park. PAGE 7 MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO PARKS,OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,OCTOBER 1,2001 7:15 o'clock p.m. OTHER ISSUES,CONTINUED Meyers suggested the Park Commission give some consideration to having a dog park. Meyers stated another recreational activity that could be considered for some of the parks is archery. McDermott stated Bederwood Park is a possible spot for archery. Meyers stated another possible location would be the Lurton property. Meyers stated archery would require approximately 50 to 75 yards of flat land. Silber suggested a portion of Saga Hills be considered for a dog park. Silber stated a dog park in this area would not disturb anyone and has ample parking. Silber stated one disadvantage is that a fence would need to be erected to keep the dogs inside the park in the event they start chasing deer or other animals in the area. Bouchard stated Hennepin County charges $25 per year for a license to use their dog parks. ADJOURNMENT Halvorson moved,Bouchard seconded,to adjo n the meeting at 8:55 p.m. There being no further business to discu ,t �ti __as adjour d at 8:55 p.m. � �' --- n ew c ermott,Chair PAGE 8