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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-05-2001 Park Commission Minutes CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2001 7:17 o'clock p.m. (#1) ATTENDANCE The Park Commission met on the abovc mcntioned date with the following mcmbers present: Chair Andrew McDermott, Commissioners Rick Meyers, Irene Silber, Debora Halvorson, J. Patrick Wolfe, and Sherokee Ilse. Commissioner Pauline Bouchard was absent. Representing Staff were Public Scrviccs Director Greg Gappa and Recorder Jackie Young. Chair McDermott called the mecting to order at 7:15 p.m. (#2) APPROVAL OF OCTOBER, 2001 MINUTES Corrections were made on Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Meyers moved, Silber seconded, to approve the minutes of the Orono Parks, Open Spaces and Trails Commission meeting of October 1, 2001, as amended. VOTE: Ayes 6, Nays 0. (#3) OCTOBER COUNCIL MEETINGS Silber statcd she was unable to attend the October 8`h City Council meeting. McDermott stated he was in attendance at the October 22°d City Council meeting, with the Forest Lake matter being opened up for public comment. McDermott stated the Council also discussed the French Creek Preserve, with the Council agreeing that the sign saying that dogs must bc on leashes should be removed. McDermott stated the City Administrator«�as unsure at that time whether the letter requesting dogs not be allowed in this preserve�vas mailed out to the nearby residents. Gappa stated he received a call from a resident of Minnetonka Beach who had some concerns about dogs not being allowed in the French Creek Preserve. Gappa stated he is unsure whether the letter should be mailed out since the City normally doesn't send out letters regarding its ordinances. McDermott stated the Park Commission and Council had agreed to send the letter to all residents on Crystal Bay Road from thc Norenberg Gardens up to Fox Street, the houses in the French Creek area, and anyone else relatively close to this area. McDermott stated in his view the letter was nicely worded and should be mailed out. Halvorson commented it probably is a moot point at this time since migration of the ducks is now over for the year. McDermott commented perhaps the letter should go out in the spring. Ilse suggested there be an article contained in the City's spring newsletter regarding the ban on dogs in this park as well as the letter being sent out to the residents in the area. PAGE 1 CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2001 7:17 o'clock p.m. Gappa stated the City has never mailed letters out previously regarding ordinances, and suggcstcd a sign be posted prohibiting dogs from the French Creek Preserve. Gappa stated City Code would nced to be amended saying no dogs allowed where posted. Gappa stated the Council would be looking at this at their next meeting. McDermott reiteratcd the lctter should go out in the spring. McDcrmott stated the current sign at the park says dogs must be on leashcs. McDermott stated Bouchard also addressed the Council regarding the Park Commission's concerns about the lack of money to do improvements, with the City Administrator agreeing to amortize the loan to the Park Fund over five years. McDermott reported the Council eventually decided to approve the Park Commission's rccommendation for classifying the Forest Lake Landing as a Class I, with fishing being removed. The Council had indicated they would likc this area to remain more passive. Meyers inquired whether the Park Commission should remove fishing from the Class I category in order to be consistent. Ilse stated the City docs have fishing piers. Ilse stated the Park Commission may want to get some clarification from thc Council on this issue. Meyers stated perhaps the classification should read that fishing is only allo�ved in areas where there is a fishing pier. Meyers commented he would like to express his concerns to the Council that these classifications should be consistcnt. McDermott commented it may become confusing if different things are allo�ved at diffcrcnt locations even though they are classified the same. Halvorson stated the Council expressed some concerns that the children playing in this area might step on fishing hooks. Meyers inquircd whether the classifications would be included in the ordinance. Gappa stated they would need to be included in the ordinance in order to be enforceable. Silber inquired about the signage for this lake access. McDermott indicated the Park Commission had agreed to install the flush markers at each of the four corners, with the other signage still needing to be determined. Gappa stated it is his belief that the money that had preliminarily been budgeted for survcying of the first 13 lake access points has been removed from the final budget. Gappa stated the Forest Lake Landing access point has already been surveyed and the flush markers could be installed. Wolfe stated hc received a call from a residcnt who had recommended that all of the encroachments by thc Mullins be removed from the public right-of-way. PAGE 2 CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2001 7:17 o'clock p.m. McDcrmott statcd in his view thc flush markers should be installed. McDermott stated the Council did not address the issue of whether the structures should be removed off City property. Gappa stated the play structure could be moved. Gappa stated to his knowledge there have becn no objections by the Council to installing the flush markers. It was the consensus of the Park Commission to have the flush markcrs installcd at each of the four corncrs of the Forest Lake Landing access point as soon as possible. McDermott stated the Council also requestcd the Park Commission revisit the Forest Lake Landing site to determine what type of access would bc appropriate in this area and whcther a stairway should be constructed. McDermott stated he will set this item on a future Park Commission agenda, but noted the Park Commission at the present time really does not have the funds availablc to make any improvements at this site. McDermott requested the five classifications agreed to by the Park Commission be included in the ordinance. Halvorson commented the Council had dirccted the Park Commission to have all of thesc lake access points surveyed over the next thrce years. Gappa stated due to budget constraints, the money allocated for the surveys has bcen removed from thc budget. (#4) PUBLIC COMMENTS Nonc REPORTS/UPDATES (#5) FUND RAISING McDermott stated thc Park Fund received approximately $3,600 from the golf tournament. Meyers stated it is Jim Anderst's intent to make this event part of the Dog Days of Summer, which should hclp generate morc interest. Meyers suggestcd the Park Commission revisit the pull-tab issue with the Council. Gappa stated the City did put the various entities conducting pull-tabs on notice at the time thcy renewed their licenscs that the City will be passing an ordinance requiring a ten percent contribution to the city. Ilse recommcnded this issue bc raised periodically with the Council. PAGE 3 CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2001 7:17 o'clock p.m. (#6) NAVARRE PARK MS Society Gappa stated he did receive a call from someonc with the MS Society last week, but he was out of the office and unable to take the call. Gappa stated he did attempt to contact the individual several times but was unsucccssful. State Aid Dollars McDermott inquired about the status of the state aid dollars. Gappa stated the City is still waiting for information regarding thc right-of-way settlement on County Road 6. Gappa stated the settlemcnt amount needs to be determined before the amount of state aid can be calculated. (#7) PARK DEDICATION FEE ACCOUNT McDermott reported the City Council did reject thc rcquest from Sprint to crect a cellular tower at Crystal Bay Park. Meyers stated the tower would have generated approximatcly $200,000 to $300,000 in revenuc for the City over 20 years had it been approved. (#5) FUND RAISING, CONTINUED Halvorson inquired whether the City has received any donations from the coupon that was included in the fall newsletter. Gappa stated he is unsure at this time but will check on it. (#8) HACKBERRY Gappa stated he has not started on this project, and questioned whether the Park Commission would still like to go forward with the improvements if there is not sufficient money available to complete it. McDermott stated it was his understanding Gappa�vas going to check with Earl Anderson on this project. McDermott stated he would speak���ith the City Administrator rcgarding the funding. McDermott stated he was told the loan would be amortized over five years, �vhich should leave the Park Fund with some funds. Silber suggested a work session with the Council be scheduled to discuss the lack of funds in the Park Fund. Silber stated the Council necds to have more direction from the City Council on what thcy would like to see happen with the parks. PAGE 4 CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2001 7:17 o'clock p.m. McDermott stated thc swing set at this park could still be utilized. McDcrmott suggested Gappa obtain a map depicting the trees in this area in order to determinc where the play equipment can be placed. McDermott suggested the neighborhood meeting regarding this project be delayed until the Park Commission receives more direction from the City Council. (#9) FRENCH CREEK McDermott inquired whethcr this area has been mowed this fall. Gappa stated it has been mowed. (#6) NAVARRE PARK, CONTINUED McDermott requested Gappa also have the Navarre Park mowed one more time, noting he would like to fertilize the area prior to winter. (#10) RECOGNITION OF DONORS Meyers stated he does not have any information concerning this item at this time, noting the gcntleman hc had originally contacted to do the donor case has relocated. Meyers stated he�vould attempt to locate the gentleman. McDermott inquired where the Park Commission could obtain a six by six map of the arca showing the various donated parcels of land. Gappa stated he could perhaps obtain one from DSU. McDermott noted he did develop a list of the parcels that have been donated to the City. (#11) DAKOTA RAIL/TRAIL McDermott stated the Star Tribune did have two letters to the editor recently regarding the Dakota Rail to Trail project. McDermott stated the newspaper should have received their letter, but that it has not yet appcared in the paper. Meyers stated he also scnt one personally to the newspaper. McDermott suggested Meyers consider sending his Ietter to the Laker and Pionecr as well in order to generate more support for this project. PAGE 5 CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2001 7:17 o'clock p.m. (#12) SOHN/LARSON PROPERTY Meycrs stated hc and McDermott viewed the park recently as well as thc Sohn property. Meyers stated that would be a good location for an ice rink, with the vacant residence being uscd as a warming house. Meyers stated the house is in pretty good shape but would require some work. Gappa stated it was his understanding the buildings on that property were scheduled for demolition in the near future. McDermott requested Gappa hold off demolition of the house until the Park Commission can review this situation more closcly. McDermott indicated they do have some voluntccrs who are willing to help fix the house up. Gappa stated the demolition of the buildings is on Monday's City Council agenda. Meyers stated the other structures on the property could be removed, but suggested the house remain intact. Ilse suggested each Park Commission member contact the City Council prior to Monday's meeting in order to inform them of what the Park Commission would like to do at this location. Ilse volunteered to speak�vith Mayor Peterson. Silber volunteered to call Bob Sansevere and Wolfe volunteered to call Jay Nygard. Halvorson reported they will be tearing down the boards on the hockey rink located at Holbrook Park in Long Lake, and suggested the boards be reused. Meyers stated they could use the money from the golf tournament to help construct the hockey rink. Meyers statcd he would prefer that money go towards a project in Navarre. McDermott stated it his belief this project can be completed mostly with donations. The Park Commission talked about the fcasibility of a hockey rink at this location and whether there would be ample room to construct it. Mcyers stated in his view they could construct a rink that is approximatcly 150 feet by 60 feet. Wolfe suggested the Park Commission consider converting the currcnt parking area into a regular ice skating rink without boards, with a parking arca being constructcd on the Larson property. Ilse noted there is a considerable number of kids in this area that could utilize the rink. Meyers recommended using the $3,600 from the golf tournament for construction of thc hockcy rink and then utilizing volunteer labor and donations to convert the house into a warming house. The Park Commission discussed whcther other organizations should be brought in to participate in this project to help offset the costs. PAGE 6 CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2001 7:17 o'clock p.m. Wolfe stated in his view if other organizations such as the hockey associations were to contribute towards this project, they may expect that thcy will be able to reserve time on the hockey rink Wolfe stated in his opinion this hockey rink should remain open to the public and not be allowed to be reserved for organized hockey. Meyers concurred that this rink should remain open to the public. Ilse stated if other organizations are approached regarding a contribution towards this project, they should bc told upfront that the park is public and cannot be reserved for organized hockey. Ilse stated that in the past thc baseball association did try to reserve the field at Bederwood, which did result in some problems. McDermott stated he would not be opposed to organized hockey reserving the rink two to thrcc nights a week. McDermott stated he would like to see one hockey rink and one open skating rink at this location. Silber suggested bringing this item up at thc next City Council meeting. Wolfe inquired�vhether Anderst has indicatcd�vhat he would like to see the money used for. McDermott stated Anderst did not specify any particular project. Meyers stated in his opinion it would be better to have a specific project where the money generated from the golf tournament would be spent on. Halvorson stated in her view the Park Commission should continue to pursuc this conccpt, with the rink being kept open to the public. Halvorson noted both the Mound Hockey Association and the Orono Hockey Association do have their own outdoor hockey rinks. Halvorson stated the members of the hockey associations would still be able to use this hockey rink on an informalizcd basis, which will benefit them. Ilse noted Rich Anderson has volunteered to donate some money for a summer skate park Ilse stated some kids have also videotaped individuals doing things in a skatc park Ilsc stated the Park Commission could consider some additional fund raising for this project since there seems to be good interest in this type of park. Wolfe suggested the City Council be requested to defer any action on the house until the Park Commission can review this matter more fully. Meyers stated in his view everything but thc house and perhaps the garage could be removed. Meyers commented the garage could be utilized for storagc of the hockey boards. Meyers stated Andcrson should be contacted to see if he still has the hockey boards that he utilized on his own private hockey rink to see if he would be interested in donating them towards this project. Ilse stated the dimensions for a summer skate park are 90' by 60' and 90' by 80', which would fit vcry well at this location. Ilse stated she does have some information on skateboard parks that she can supply to the Park Commission. Ilse stated she has attempted unsuccessfully to contact Rich PAGE 7 CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2001 7:17 o'clock p.m. Anderson in the past couple of weeks. Ilse stated the children in this area do need to have something they can do in the summertime. Ilse stated if this area is paved, it can be utilized for rollerblading in the summer and hockey in the winter. McDermott requested each Park Commission mcmber call their assigned Council member to discuss this project prior to Monday's mceting. McDermott stated he would bring the survey to the next mccting as wcll. (#13) WESTERN METRO PARK FUNDS McDermott suggested this item be tabled to the next meeting. McDermott noted the members of the Park Commission were requested to contact other local communities to see ho�v thcir Park Commission was funded and what services were provided. McDermott requested each Park Commission member contact their city so they can report back at the next meeting. (#14) DECEMBER PARK COMMISSION MEETING McDermott noted he and Silber will be unable to attend December's Park Commission meeting. McDcrmott inquired whether the December meeting should be cancclled. Ilse noted the Park Commission sometimes has a holiday get-togethcr in December. Gappa stated if the Park Commission does decide to have a holiday get-together, it will need to be posted. It was the consensus of the Park Commission to cancel the December Park Commission meeting and to attempt to schedule a holiday get-together. UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETIIVGS November 13—Wolfe November 26—Wolfe December 10 —Halvorson OTHER ISSUES Gappa inquired whether anyone has been attending the recreation committee's mcetings. Wolfe indicated he is thc board liaison to that committee and did attend one meeting this past summer. Wolfe stated hc has not been informed about any other meetings since then. McDermott stated he also has not received notice of any of their meetings lately. PAGE 8 CITY OF ORONO PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING MONDAY,NOVEMBER 5,2001 7:17 dclock p.m. Lurton Property Silber stated she recently has walked tlle Lurton property. Silber stated the property currently is a plowed field and not very inviting. Silber stated there also are some fences that should be removed. Saga Hill Silber stated it is her understanding the group of kids tl�at have recently been going around the community robbing residences have apparently been hiding the stolen property in Saga Hill. Silber stated there also appears to be a number of parties that occur on Garden Lane, and suggested tl�e police be contacted and requested to patrol this area more closely. Gappa stated he wou(d make the Police Department aware of it. Watershed District Halvorson reported she has been assigned to one of the eight regional teams consisting of people from Orono, Long Lake and Medina. Halvorson stated the Watershed District is now studying the entire watershed area and is also conducting a water analysis, updating the floodplain maps, monitoring the water quality and levels in this area as well as atteinpting to form partnerships with the various cities to deal with issues relating to new development. Halvorson stated this work is expected to continued for a couple of years. ADJOURNMENT Wolfe moved, Silber seconded,to adjourn the meeting at 9:28 p.m. There being no further business to discuss,the riieeting was adjourned at 9:28 p.m. � ;" �` '�r' � �' . j _ , A rev�1VIcDermo , %� C PAGE 9