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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-02-2020 Park Commission PacketAGENDA City of Orono Park Commission Meeting for Monday, March 2nd, 2020, 6:00 PM Orono Council Chambers, 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356 952-249-4600 / www.ci.orono.mn.us Audience Members: Please sign in for the public record if you wish to address the Park Commission. The sign in sheet is in the lobby. The Park Commission is an advisory body to the City Council. If action is taken on any items on this agenda, it will be scheduled for an upcoming City Council meeting. AGENDA CALL TO ORDER. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. 1. January 6th, 2020 Park Commission Meeting Minutes. PUBLIC COMMENT. CHAIRMAN’s REPORT. 2. Proposal for Boathouse in Summit Beach Park-Long Lake Rowing Crew 3. Parks Commission Schedule - Revised STAFF REPORTS 4. Public Works Parks Update. SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS. 5. Lurton Park Dog Days Event 6. Big Island Event / Big Island Legacy Fund Update COMMISSIONERS REPORT. 7. Commissioner’s Updates ADJOURNMENT. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, January 6, 2020 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 1 of 11 ROLL CALL The Orono Park Commission met on the above-mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Brian Roath, Commissioners Jan Berg, Rick Carter, Casey Conrad Hudson, Bryce Johnson, Jennifer Klaahsen, and Julie Ruegemer. Representing Staff was Adam Edwards. Mayor Dennis Walsh was present. Chair Roath called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. NOVEMBER 4, 2019 PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Carter moved, Johnson seconded, to approve the minutes of the November 4, 2019 Park Commission meeting as submitted. VOTE: Ayes 7, Nays 0. PUBLIC COMMENT None STAFF REPORTS CHAIRMAN’S REPORT – Brian Roath 2. 2019 PARK COMMISSION GOALS AND SUB-COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS - REVIEW 3. 2020 PARK COMMISSION GOALS AND SUB-COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS - DEVELOP Chair stated Items 2 and 3 were to set up 2020 goals. The Commission went through the same process last year, setting up sub-committees and assigned focuses for the year and assigned people to the sub- committees. Commissioners are also assigned parks. Chair said he and Edwards discussed using the February meeting for long-range strategic planning for the Park Commission both from a focus and budget perspective. There is a lot going on in 2020 as far as execution on plans that have been made over the past 1-2 years such as Bederwood and Big Island. There is identified work to do in the next year or two, but 2020 will be focused on redefining the Commission's direction and identifying specific focuses for the next several years. He suggested updating the document to get a good starting point and revisiting it at the February workshop. Johnson noted Meyers’ and his position would be filled so there will be two new Commissioners. Commission members discussed that terms expire March 1. The City Council looks at applicants in February and makes appointments the last meeting in February/first meeting in March. Although Johnson's term goes through the February meeting, he will be out of the country. Jennifer Klaahsen and Beth Davis are alternates. Davis has had school conflicts the last six months and should be contacted to see if she is interested in continuing. So far one person has asked for an application. Ruegemer will put MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, January 6, 2020 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 2 of 11 something together so the Clerk can put it out to the different venues. If the Planning Commission has openings, they can adapt the verbiage for their purposes. Edwards stated Item 2 is the previous year's version of the Park Commission’s Goals and Sub-Committee Assignments. He highlighted in green the items the Commission wanted to do and he thought were done. The non-highlighted items were things he thought were not done. Item 3, the 2020 version, is in the same format. He did not add any focus areas. He removed items he thought were done. There may be items the Commission no longer feels are focus areas; the Commission may also want to add some focus areas. He included the City’s mission statement, vision statement, and goals, and also Code information which is applicable to the Park Commission. Chair said he appreciates the opportunity to be the Chair of the Park Commission. He shared his philosophy regarding how the Park Commission should operate: He sees the Commissioners as less of a company and more of a consulting partnership/consulting firm, where there are a lot of partners that have their areas of interests, areas of expertise, and they are all pursuing those. The office managing partner, similar to his role, is the person who tries to string a common thread between everyone and keep them organized and helps support all the partners in their areas of interest. He is here to support the Commissioners and their interests as well as interests that come from the City Council. The Commissioners reviewed the 2019 Park Commission Focus Area/Committees and Goals document as far as progress. Construction is almost done at Bederwood. It will be seeded in the spring, the wear course of the asphalt poured in the parking lot, and then some touch-ups. The grand opening ceremony will probably be in the September time frame if the event includes kids playing on the field. It was proposed to remove the “grand-opening” item since it could be lumped in with Community Events. Chair said East Long Lake Trail and Summit Beach is probably the Commission's biggest focus for the year with respect to the Long Lake Rowing Club. He suggested creating a sub-committee regardless of whether the rowing club plan moves forward to figure out what should be done with the project. Edwards stated it is at 60% design on the trail portion of the project. Nothing else has been done with the park portion, so there still should be a committee to move forward with the project. He will send out an invite fairly soon for members to look at the 80% plan for the trail. Chair asked if it made sense to split it into two groups. Ruegemer did not think the Commission should add any group for the rowing club because it is a proposal that has not been voted on. Chair clarified that the two groups would be Summit Beach and the Trail. Several Commissioners indicated they should be kept together because it is one project. Ruegemer said she would like to remain on the project. Walsh said the project would last a while and when it reaches 80% and even during construction the committee could walk it and make sure it is getting done similar to the Commission’s vision. He felt it made the most sense to be one project. Berg said she would also like to remain on the committee since Summit Beach is her beach. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, January 6, 2020 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 3 of 11 Johnson asked if the shoreline restoration was part of the project. Edwards and Walsh indicated it was. Chair said he was also willing to be on the sub-committee. Chair asked Carter, Klaahsen, and Hudson if they had any passion for the area. Klaahsen indicated her passion would be the playground because she is interested in the family/kid- oriented items in the park. She is interested in a more natural-style playground. Ruegemer and Berg said that is the goal and they would bring that forward so everyone can agree on it. Chair said Winter Activities was discussed last year as far as what the City's direction should be with respect to ice rinks and broader winter activities. He stated, according to Edwards, all the tasks were completed. He asked if there were any questions that needed to be answered. Berg asked whether the sledding was considered a winter activity. Edwards said that's underway and happening. The Commissioners and Edwards discussed sledding at the golf course and the idea of having more lighting at the golf course; for example, at the tree-lighting event. Edwards said they could look at adding more lighting. He did not think there needed to be a Winter Activities Committee to do that; it could be under the Golf Course Committee. Chair asked Walsh if the City Council had what they needed as far as direction and position from the Park Commission in terms of winter activities such as ice-skating and sledding. Edward said the big question last year was the extent to which the City would get in the ice rink business. Walsh stated it was decided to focus on what the City has and suggested keeping things under the Golf Course umbrella. Chair said the Winter Activities category will be removed. Chair proposed to keep Lurton Park an area of focus because there's a lot of activity that seems to pop up and there should be a couple of people to help take care of things. Edwards commented that next to the golf course it is the City's most used park. Walsh stated there will always be new ideas and projects and parks are always forming and re-forming, and it is always good to have somebody overlooking them from the Commission. The parks were in disrepair because the City cancelled the Park Commission years ago, but they need to be maintained. Ruegemer offered to be on the Lurton Park Committee and is happy to keep doing the dog park event. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, January 6, 2020 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 4 of 11 Johnson noted it is not only a park, it is Orono's face to other communities in many ways. He added Meyers did an outstanding job. He is hopeful that regular users will self-organize a little bit. Walsh said it is not just a dog park anymore. It has also become a community-gathering place. Johnson shared a story about some people who said they have multiple social groups at the park depending on the time of day -- people taking their children to school and then taking the dog for a walk; the retirees; the after-work people -- and they were actually meeting socially. Walsh said there may need to be more tables if more people are meeting there and it becomes a true community-gathering place. Chair asked Johnson if he had any vision for Lurton Park. Johnson stated he did not but regretted that he did not get the set of maintenance standards because he thought that would have eliminated a lot of the strife over the last year. He said the park was evolving with new trails, projects, tables, trees, and signs. Now it will be about maintaining things and looking where to mow. He understands from Meyers there was an endless stream of suggestions coming from the regulars. He feels it was very successful. Klaahsen said she will continue to manage the Facebook page and also occasionally puts out notices of when Park Commission meetings are. The Commissioners, Edwards, and Walsh discussed Community Events which include tree-lighting, the Bederwood grand opening, the dog park (Lurton), and an Oktoberfest/Fall Festival/Brewfest at the golf course. They also discussed a grand opening on Big Island in 2020 or 2021 and suggested different ideas of what that may involve. Chair and the Commissioners discussed Berg being the coordinator of the calendar of events but each event having a point person which Berg agreed to do. Roath suggested, as an example, Berg could be the overall person, but he could be the point person for Big Island. Commission members discussed holding the Big Island and dog park events in June. They also talked about using “Brewfest” instead of “Oktoberfest” so the date could be changed and the appeal each name may hold to the citizens of Orono. Since the event is held at the golf course, depending on when it is held, they need to be considerate of season passholders and regular users if the event includes golf. They decided they would first need to figure out what the event is and the purpose of it. Councilmember Seals will be contacted to make plans. Hudson offered to work on the Oktoberfest/Brewfest event. Chair noted there's a working calendar for the events, Berg will be overseeing the events, and there are individuals/people for each event. Berg said a date for the holiday tree-lighting was picked but Santa has a standing contract for the second Saturday of December, which is what it was changed to, so it may have to go back to the first Saturday. Walsh said he did not feel it would matter whether it was the first Saturday or the second Saturday. It's more about having it and getting the right people there. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, January 6, 2020 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 5 of 11 Berg said she heard a lot of feedback that people really liked Santa. Ruegemer stated it would be nice to have a consistent date even if Santa becomes unavailable. Walsh said it is important to have consistency because Santa is the attraction. Berg said she has him contracted for five years and the people that have him on the second Saturday have had him for 12 years and are going to have him for 12 more years. She wants to go back to the first. Ruegemer stated there should be a consistent date for the dog park event, too. Berg commented that the City calendar will show that. Walsh said the City calendar is already out but it could be added to the City calendar on the website. Chair noted a couple years ago there were no community events and a lot has been added. Carter asked if anyone wanted to lead the Bederwood opening. Roath offered to lead the Bederwood opening. The Commissioners and Walsh discussed the woman who works in the clubhouse at the golf course and that she does a good job. It was noted the golf course also hosts sledding birthday parties. Walsh stated it's going to be an event center, a place to go to. Chair noted a lot of people have said they've been going there for years but that they've never been in the clubhouse and it's really cool. Ruegemer asked what the amount was for renting it for a birthday party. Edwards said there’s not a cost and it's not a rental but just people letting the clubhouse manager know there are however many kids coming. The clubhouse manager does not do anything special when people go there for parties. In the future there could be times after communal hours that events could be planned. Chair brought up the item Trails. Carter said he generally agrees with Edwards' assessment with regard to establishing a five-year plan for trails. The correlation between the priorities and the capital expense budget he felt the Commission could be more proactive on rather than dealing with stuff as it is rolling in. The committee needs to get together to look at the capital budget, the comprehensive plan, and make sure that things are in the right order proactively and then continue to react when something new comes up. Community outreach also needs to be talked about and how the public will be engaged. Hudson asked if he was referring to neighbors. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, January 6, 2020 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 6 of 11 Carter confirmed he was referring to community and neighbors, close-by neighbors, the people mostly affected. Carter said if Davis were to become a Commissioner it would be a no-brainer, but if she's staying as an alternate, maybe somebody else would take her place with Ruegemer and himself. Ruegemer said she will continue on Trails and pointed out North Arm Trail was missing on the list. Commission members and Edwards discussed it may be called something else, including Lakeview Legacy, but agreed to call it the North Arm Trail. Chair asked about the level of activity around the trails both now and in the coming years. Carter said he felt pretty good about it. They met and have a giant map of the potential trails that were being talked about and discussed whether there were some things that were a potential that weren't being considered. A list was created of eight priorities, and there is a set of six notes that talk about things that they would do or not do. He thought they did a comprehensive job, although they didn't necessarily say exactly how it related to the next five years' capital budget and what’s going to happen next year. Chair asked if the City Council had what they need as far as Trails go. He personally thinks it is a big trail development and should be an area of focus for communities. Walsh said Edwards is trying to get all the trails connected, there are a lot of things in the works, and everyone is on the same page. Between himself, Councilmember Seals, and Edwards, they are on track. Chair said he had asked Carter how he felt about the level of activity around the trails, whether more or less needs to be done. He wanted to make sure the City Council felt the Park Commission was going at the appropriate speed. Walsh thanked Johnson for helping restart the Park Commission and his hard work and dedication. He expressed appreciation for the work Johnson has done for the Park Commission as well as for the City. Johnson said it's a great group to work with and appreciates the continuous support by everyone. Chair brought up the item Big Island. Carter said because Edwards obtained a $200,000 grant from the DNR and the City was willing to pledge $80,000 of that and Johnson wrote five out of the seven panels, his job has been to keep track of things. The 80% drawings have been reviewed. The challenge is to get the last 60,000. He thinks there is about 60 committed through Big Island Legacy and he feels confident they will get the other 60, which means they will be able to spend $350K-360K on hard costs of the project: the trails, the panels, a bathroom and potentially an overlook. They will have to work around eagle-nesting season because the eagles nested in the middle of the project. Johnson said Big Island has been a fantastic learning opportunity because it has such a rich history. He stated he learned a lot from the draft of a book written by Paul Marbellous and wondered if there was a way it could be introduced and combined with the activities at Big Island. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, January 6, 2020 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 7 of 11 Carter stated they have had volunteers willing to review the City's simple 300-word panel but it would be nice to make Marbellous’ book a part of what is going on at Big Island. He said the “Complete Interpretive sign design and install” as “to-dos” is correct. He added he would like to plan an event. Carter indicated he would like to talk someday about Pleasant View Park. He said there was a discussion about potentially providing access through the Right-of-Way to one of the homeowners that is set back and the Council decided to find an alternative way of resolving that. He noted he is the listed person for Pleasant View Park. He mentioned he went skiing in the area lately. Hudson asked if there were snowmobiles in the area. Carter said there have been no snowmobiles in the area. He stated Staff put a snow fence on the major areas. He is worried about the back side, but no one has gone there yet. There's less snowmobile traffic. As far as he can tell, it does not look like there has been a motorized vehicle on the island. Chair asked what will happen at Big Island beyond the next year or two. Carter said there may be a couple minor things. The trail essentially brings you from the dock up to the bottom of the ramp that goes to the building, which is where the bathroom will be placed, and then it goes up the hill to the high point, where the plan is to do a shelter and potentially another bathroom. Both of those might be outside the budget and are being priced as alternates. There is a trail that goes up towards the top of the hill, then goes around the hill and back down to the beach. If the Commission wanted to do something like a rock with a plaque as a Veterans Memorial at the hilltop, getting to it would take another small trail project. There is also an opportunity for an overlook on the north side. Johnson asked if there were any thoughts of putting something by the ruins. Carter said almost all the foundations from the amusement park and most of the foundations from the camp are still there and they are documented. He stated it would make an amazing story by putting interpretive panels around or having something on your phone and you could carry it around. He is not envisioning more buildings or substantially more trails. Chair brought up the item Golf Course. He would like to work with Edwards, Jason (the Golf Superintendent), and the City Council to get a couple-year view of what they would like to see the golf course do and some of the operations and usage they would like to achieve and set some goals for the golf course as a business. Edwards said they have to consider what they want it to be. Currently, it's a small, municipal nine-hole golf course suited for residents. They have to analyze what other things they want to do with it as a park outside of the golf course. There was a mini master plan done a couple of years ago and a business plan which can be looked at again. The golf course has not broken even financially since the 1990s. He does not have a lot of confidence that it will ever be a money-maker for the City like it was in the past. But it is a park; it is there for the people. Chair asked if there were other areas of focus Commissioners wanted to consider for 2020. Carter asked if there was a discussion about doing something in the Winter Activities; for example, cross- country trails at the golf course. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, January 6, 2020 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 8 of 11 Edwards said they have and it is still available. The City has been working with the school cross-country ski team. Last year they were interested in grooming it and using it; this year they are not. The school offered to let the City use their grooming machine but the City would need to find their own snowmobile. They debated whether they should find a snowmobile to pull the grooming machine. They have not had the demand to justify buying another piece of equipment. Ruegemer suggested it could be talked about again next year. Chair stated in February they would talk more about the items. He encouraged everyone to throw out ideas for what to do with the parks long-term. He noted other cities in the area are doing stuff with bike trails, off-road bike trails. Klaahsen added there are also Ninja obstacle playgrounds and natural playgrounds. Edwards stated once the Hackberry property reverts to the City, it's an ideal time to look at the park holistically. There are drainage issues and little league fields that are too close to roads, and it will be a great opportunity to wipe the slate clean and redesign it. Commission members and Edwards talked about the post office in Crystal Bay and the fact that Orono does not have its own zip code. The Crystal Bay Post Office serves the area and people love having the post office in that location. At one point there was discussion about turning the area into a trailhead/park activities center but there was pushback from the local people. The Commissioners discussed a plan previously presented by Rick Meyers regarding the Crystal Bay area, which could use some updating. They will contact Meyers and it can be discussed in February. Chair noted Seven Nations Park was brought up last year because there are a lot of invasives there and it needs some cleaning up and TLC. Edwards stated this winter they will solicit for contract mowing for the parks, which gets done once every three years, and Seven Nations will be added into the solicitation. In the past the City mowed it once or twice a year with a rough mower. The Commissioners decided to hold off on Park Assignments until the Commission gets new members. Walsh suggested adding the Paul Pesak Park and said someone should oversee the community gardens. Chair noted there was discussion and a motion at the last meeting to name it the Paul Pesak Park and there was a little bit of pushback from his widow. He suggested bringing a motion the next formal meeting in March for an alternative name. Commissioners discussed that Minnesota law states certain things cannot be named after living people such as roads and state parks. Carter stated the idea of having a Lead Commissioner for trails is interesting. He had not thought about it before but there are a lot more trails. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, January 6, 2020 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 9 of 11 Edwards said he added trails because they are like parks. What he looks for from Commissioners in charge of parks is feedback and another set of eyes to say the maintenance crew needs to be sent out here, for example, because somebody dumped a bunch of trash. Carter asked if there was a comprehensive list of every trail somewhere. Edwards stated he tried to list City-maintained trails, which are multimodal trails, as opposed park trails. Ruegemer stated she felt it made sense for Carter to be a lead on all of them. Chair brought up Functional/Activity Assignments and asked if anyone was needed for park signage. Edwards said not necessarily, that it just needed to be set up and standards developed. Commission members discussed park adoptions are with the outreach community engagement. Berg stated she wanted to talk about the holiday tree-lighting at the February meeting. The Commissioners and Edwards discussed the meeting calendar and changing the schedule so workshop meetings would be doubled and there would be fewer formal meetings since they don’t come up with a lot of proposals and they could use more informal working time. They decided to keep the afternoon work sessions where they are and turn one of the evening sessions into a work session. Chair and Edwards will send out a proposal to the group. The new schedule needs to be approved by the City Council. Chair said he was contacted by the Long Lake Rowing Club President and is meeting with him. The rowing club also has a meeting Wednesday night with the neighborhood. He asked if Park Commission members had anything they wanted him to ask the President. Commission members discussed the neighborhood meeting that is set up and encouraged Chair to go. Carter said if the community in general came back to the Park Commission and said it is a win-win for everyone, he can see the Commission taking the request seriously, but he cannot imagine that happening. Ruegemer agreed and said it would basically destroy that area as a swimming beach. If the rowing club approached Excelsior Beach or Wayzata Beach, they would say absolutely not. We cannot have these two things together; it is not safe. The Park Commission needs to be careful to not get distracted by the large, shiny building shown to them. Berg stated the Commission also needs to consider the impact traffic from the rowing club would have on people using the beach and future concerns that may come up if the boathouse was allowed. She said this is not a commercial area, it is in a neighborhood. She went to a couple of the rowing club meetings and is also concerned about their hours of operations and future plans for their facility. Chair said he would be open-minded and can't speak on behalf of Orono or the Commission. He is focusing on the process, as far as what does a successful process look like to come to a decision. Johnson asked Berg about the other meetings she attended. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, January 6, 2020 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 10 of 11 Berg said she was at an informal meeting with Edwards and Meyers when they first approached the City. Edwards clarified it was the Summit Beach sub-committee at the time. Berg agreed and said the rowing club has always been looking at a large building and saying things that make it look like it will benefit the park. Ruegemer asked if a bathroom is needed; there is an outhouse that is more environmentally friendly. The lake is already poorly rated. There would be huge docks because of the amount of boats they have. Berg said she is open-minded but her concerns as someone responsible for that beach is to look at the highest and best use and ask if the rowing club is the best use of the beach. Ruegemer said the rowing club currently has a house that works very well but they want a storage facility. Now they are placed at Birches. They have a huge parking lot and there is no swimming beach in the vicinity so it is safe, no one is put in danger and no huge parking lots needs to be built. She understands they want to keep their boats safe but asked if it is the Park Commission's job to put swimmers at risk and have a huge environmental impact on the park. Chair said everyone will have an opportunity to voice concerns both as Commissioners and Orono residents. He invited members to attend the Wednesday meeting or attend with him and the President. Hudson suggested if there is any more interaction with the rowing club, it should be a working session and not a formal meeting. Chair asked if the Commissioners were okay with the rowing club President reaching out to members individually. Several Commissioners said that was fine. Carter asked if they were coming to the work session. Edwards said they are not scheduled. Berg said the Commission wanted the rowing club to meet with neighbors and then come back. Edwards added they need to come back at a formal meeting, which is March, because the Park Commission has to come up with a recommendation to the City Council. Man suggested they should come to a working session first. Ruegemer indicated if the rowing club wants to pursue this, they need to reach out to the Commission. Chair asked if he should mention anything at his meeting since there is one working session before March. Hudson commented that it has to be discussed before the Commission makes a decision. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, January 6, 2020 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 11 of 11 Carter agreed and said he would not be comfortable having the rowing club walk into a formal meeting and putting something on the table for the Commissioners to make a decision on. Chair said if the meeting schedule is being changed, he needs to make the President aware of that if he is relying on coming back in June. Edwards said there would still be a working session in February and March is a formal session even with the new proposed schedule. Johnson said he would like the rowing club to answer some of the community questions rather than just pitching the plan again. Berg said she would like to hear how the meeting went with the neighbors. Hudson added he would like them to talk about how many kids are using it in the school systems, not just how many members they have. Several Commissioners indicated that information was previously given. Commission members had no further input. Berg stated Johnson has been a great asset to the Commission and she will personally miss him and his insights. Several Commission members agreed with Berg. Johnson stated the Commission has evolved and there continue to be new members and he feels everyone is ready to keep the momentum going. SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS 4. COMMISSIONER’S REPORT None ADJOURNMENT Berg moved, Johnson seconded, to adjourn the Orono Park Commission meeting at 7:31 p.m. VOTE: Ayes7, Nays 0. ATTEST: _________________________________________ Brian Roath, Chair PARK COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM Prepared By: Reviewed By: Approved By: 1. Purpose. The purpose of this action is to get a Park Commission recommendation on whether the city should partner with the Long Lake Rowing Crew allowing the club to construct and maintain a boat house and docks at Summit Beach Park. 2. Background. Long Lake Rowing Crew (LLRC) was founded in 2014 for the sport of rowing on Long Lake. LLRC has been operating out of the Birches site and the Long Lake Fire Department. However the Birches site is not ideally suited to launching boats and the club is looking for a place to construct a boathouse. The Club approached the City in 2018 about the possibility of partnering with the city for use of the Summit Beach Park location. LLRC is a non-profit, 501C# organization. The mission of Long Lake Rowing Crew is "to provide a safe, inspiring and educational opportunity for people of all ages to learn, enjoy and excel in the sport of rowing. LLRC is a volunteer-driven, non-profit club committed to knowledgeable instruction, personal and competitive achievement, and the well-being of its members and the greater Long Lake community." The Parks commission considered this proposal at the November 4th, 2019 Park Commission meeting at which time the Commission tabled the action (Minutes at Exhibit B). 3. Proposal. The LLRC will provide a presentation to the Commission on their proposal. In general improvements at the park would include a boathouse, public restrooms and a dock system. 4. Considerations. The Commission should consider the following. a. Does the proposal enhance or detract from the use of the park? b. What benefits would the proposal provide to the park; to the community? c. What costs if any would be incurred by the city? d. What requirements (accessibility to public, park improvements, public programs) does the commission recommend the City council consider imposing on the applicants plan? e. What restrictions (size of structures, location of structures, hours of use, parking) does the commission recommend the City council consider imposing on the applicants plan? 5. Public Comment. At the November 4th, 2019 commission meeting the Commission received public comment. The minutes of that meeting including the public comment are at exhibit B. Written public comments received after the meeting are at exhibit C. 6. Way Forward. a. Park Commission review and recommendation b. City Council review. c. Planning and Zoning Staff Review d. Planning commission Review – If required (i.e. Variances needed) e. Agreement/ Lease developed f. City Council Approval g. Building permit process h. Construction Item No.: 2 Date: March 2nd, 2020 Item Description: Proposal for Boathouse in Summit Beach Park Presenter: Long Lake Rowing Crew Agenda Section: Chairman’s Report COMMISSION ACTION REQUESTED Motion to providing a recommendation to the City Council including any requirements or restrictions on the proposed plan for a boat house at Summit Beach Park. Exhibits A. Proposal from LLRC (To be provided at the meeting) B. Public Comments: Minutes from November 4th, 2019. C. Written Public Comments received by the City. References http://longlakerowing.org/ MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, November 4, 2019 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 1 of 9 5. PROPOSAL FOR BOATHOUSE IN SUMMIT PARK – LONG LAKE ROWING CLUB Lisa McCarty, board member of the Long Lake Rowing Crew, addressed the Orono Park Commission. The Long Lake Rowing Club is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization. The Club services approximately 90 rowers from Orono and the surrounding community, with approximately 50 percent of the rowers attending Orono Schools. The Club has been able to provide them with five to six years of rowing experience and training, which allows them to attain scholarships at high-level universities ranging from Brown, Dartmouth, Syracuse, Washington, Notre Dame, and other universities all over the country. Rowing has become a very attractive sport and the Long Lake Rowing Club produces some of the best rowers in the state. Two of the Club’s high school rowers placed first at the Head of the Charles race, which is one of the most highly profiled races in the country. The program, with its dedicated coaching staff, have been able to produce high-level rowers. The Club also prides itself in offering rowing to people of all ages, including a master’s program that services rowers up to 80 years old. The Club has worked on integrating the community into this sport and developing a life-long passion for the sport. The rowing club utilizes Long Lake and currently is storing its equipment outdoors at Birches Restaurant because they do not have a building. The rowing club currently has over $200,000 worth of equipment sitting in the woods, which can be a security risk, and they are in desperate need of a home. McCarty indicated the Long Lake Rowing Club is willing to partner with the City for use of the Summit Beach Park location. Craig Martin, Peterson, Keller Architecture, stated the Long Lake Rowing Club reached out to their company several months ago about designing a boathouse and training facility. The Club would like to enter a private/public partnership between the Long Lake Rowing Crew and the City of Orono to create a neighborhood rowing facility and also to update Summit Beach Park. At this time they are proposing a park pavilion with toilet facilities, outdoor patio space with picnic tables, a small playground, a two-story rowing crew boathouse consisting of approximately 9,000 square feet, and dock amenities. The project intention and goals include promoting the education of rowing within the Orono community, establishing a home for the Long Lake Rowing club, building on the improvements Orono has been making to the Summit Beach area, providing a presence in the neighborhood to promote safety and security for patrons of the beach and neighbors, and creating a timeless beach destination that generations of neighbors can continue to use. Summit Beach Park is located on the southeast corner of Long Lake. There is existing parking for approximately 24 cars, temporary toilet facilities, a large lawn area, and a wooded hill area. Currently there are a few picnic tables on site. In conjunction with TBL Studios, a concept master plan has been created for what the park could look like. Being proposed is a paved parking lot for 24 cars and additional space for up to 36 spaces. The goal is to keep it fairly small at this point. The boathouse is proposed to be built into the hillside. The grassy knoll area was considered but it was felt it would be a little too damp and not safe for rowers moving their equipment in and out. Instead they are proposing to nestle it into the hillside to decrease its visibility for the neighbors. Also looking at a small pavilion, which would contain toilet facilities for park goers, and possibly a few picnic tables. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, November 4, 2019 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 2 of 9 Travis VanLear, landscape architect, noted he met with most of the Park Commissioners approximately one month ago at their work session. He has attempted to take that feedback and apply it to the concept plan that was presented at that time. As Craig elaborated, the goal with the overall project is to have a minimal impact on the design of the park and to use the existing attributes as much as possible. They would like to minimize tree removal and utilize the existing parking as much as possible to reduce cost and build off some of the main attributes that the park has that are not being utilized at this time, such as the knoll which is currently covered with buckthorn. Following a meeting on site, it was felt the best location for the boathouse would be nestled into the hillside. The concept plan keeps the natural play area of the park intact; hides the boathouse but yet still provides access to the lake in a more isolated spot; and allows the rest of the park to be used. VanLear noted there has also been talk about potential trail opportunities with the City. VanLear indicated they tried to show potential trail connections and how those would be situated with the design of the boathouse. In addition, there was talk of a small playground facility being placed close to the play area. The proposed concept plan is the rowing club’s first attempt at encompassing a lot of those comments and they are willing to make adjustments as they go through the process. One of the key needs of the Club will be dock access to launch multiple boats ranging from a single shell up to an 8-person shell. Because of the size of those shells, the docks will need some length. Being considered is the potential to maybe utilize the beach and swim area and perhaps protect it better from ongoing boat activity. The dock configuration shown is just one example, but there will need to be a series of docks for access needs. A secondary dock for a safety boat that goes out with the rowers is also required. Meyers asked what will happen to the north once the road is reclaimed. Meyers noted that lineal area will run approximately three-fourths of a mile down the east shore of the lake. VanLear stated when they go forward with their plans, they can look at that closer. The overall project will not be built at one time but is intended to be a master plan that can be looked to going into the future. The intent is to keep it a more natural park that requires low maintenance, with one of the goals being to maintain the large trees. For the park itself, some of the ideas include maintaining some aspect of the lawn. The floodplain area would also be maintained. Being considered are just kind of passive play uses and seasonal activities. There is also the potential for a hockey/skating rink in the flat area or out on the lake as well as walking paths and a mountain bike path. Some of the big components are the standard recreational play area as well as a natural area, which would allow the imagination of kids to work. Martin displayed floor plans of the proposed boathouse. The first floor would be storage for the boats and the second floor would contain an office area and conference rooms as well as a gathering space. The two sketches on the right demonstrate how the building is nestled into the hillside. As someone goes up the hill towards the street, the building becomes what appears to be a one-story boathouse from the road. The top image shows the deck overlooking the lake on the boathouse. Martin stated they are looking at something that is timeless in terms of architecture and will be long- lasting. As it relates to the building mass, the top picture depicts the building from the lake and the MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, November 4, 2019 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 3 of 9 bottom image is a sketch depicting the two-story building nestled into the hillside. The small structure on the right is the pavilion. Martin displayed some more pictures of the building and the various areas of the park. Martin thanked the Park Commission for their consideration of their concept plan. Johnson asked how many trees would need to be removed. Martin indicated it would likely be six to seven. VanLear stated they have not gotten into the technical details of the grading, but that they did receive the tree file from Bolton & Menk. The next step is to go out and assess the quality of the trees and have that information before they go to the City Council. Ruegemer commented she has a number of questions but that she would like to hear from the neighbors first. Carter stated what he remembers from the work session is the Park Commission would like to see limited parking and that he would encourage them to look at that. Carter asked whether they have spoken with any of the neighbors. Martin indicated they have not at this point. VanLear stated they typically present the idea to the Park Commission first and then prior to going before the Planning Commission they would have an open house. Lisa McCarty stated she has reached out to a number of friends and their advice was to see if this was feasible first and that she would be happy to go to anyone’s house and meet one-on-one with them. The Club wanted to go before the Park Commission first to see if there is a green light to go forward and then reach out to the neighbors. Meyers stated as a Commission, they had some reservations about the plan at the work session, but that they cannot tell the applicants no or yes until the City holds public hearings. Meyers noted this is not a done deal. Norm Hammond asked about the plans for the sewer and water. VanLear stated they have not gotten to that level of detail at this point and that their next step will be more of a technical level. What is known is that some of the setbacks will be an issue. Meyers requested people come up to the microphone to speak. The public hearing was opened at 7:04 p.m. Rachel Feldman, 1010 Old Long Lake Road, stated they are the house right next to the proposed building and that they will be looking at the building from their back yard. Feldman stated in her view there are more than six trees that would need to be removed for a building of this size and that she would like to MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, November 4, 2019 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 4 of 9 encourage the Park Commission to act in two ways. The first is to reject altogether the proposal for any type of building at Summit Park and the second is to reject any type of proposal to expand the rowing club at this site. Feldman noted she also has friends on Long Lake who are opposed to the proposal. If the proposal goes through, it would change the nature of Summit Beach for the benefit of the rowing club but would be a detriment to the residents. The neighbors appreciate the smaller scale presence of the rowers on the lake and Long Lake is a recreational lake for fishing, paddle boarding, pontooning, skiing, swimming and other activities. Feldman stated as a registered nurse, from a public health and safety perspective, expanding the club would be a very poor decision and poses a danger to people enjoying the beach and swimming area. Since she has lived in her house, there has been a swimming section for people of all ages and neighboring dogs enjoying the lake. The people visiting the park ranges from tiny children to groups of elderly people out swimming. Boats will come down to this end of the lake to anchor down and relax and swim and jump off the rope swing, which is a fun feature of the lake. Lots of high schoolers enjoy using it and other people picnic there and lay out in hammocks. Summit Beach is a relaxing and peaceful beach that the neighbors hope the City continues nurturing. Placing a boathouse at the beach would be dangerous to swimmers, boaters, floaters, and families. Feldman noted the rowers were asked to change their path to avoid the swimming area. Besides being a concerned neighbor, she is also an unofficial nature lover. Going forward with any type of expansion plan would not only affect recreation at the beach but would also destroy a nature preserve and large grassy area. The world needs more open, quiet and natural areas. There are wild turkeys that flock there, eagles, deer, and other animals that enjoy this area. Feldman noted since they have lived in their home, the rowing club received approval for longer hours and that she would like to see the rowing hours restricted back to what they were previously. This past summer the rowing club was outside of their expanded hours and it is difficult to see the boats against the setting sun. Currently the rowing club has a home outside Birches, which is an ideal location. Birches places a restriction on the number of rowers and it is a safe place for the rowers to go in and out of the lake since there is no beach there where there will be swimmers and other people enjoying the water. Feldman encouraged the Park Commission to reject any proposal to place a boathouse on Summit Beach and any expansion of the rowing club. Norm Hammond, 450 East long Lake Road, noted he has resided at his house for more than 50 years, and that he would request Summit Beach be maintained as a natural setting as a neighborhood beach, which is more or less the way the beach and park has been maintained over the past 50 years. Hammond indicated he does agree with the comments of the previous speaker regarding construction of permanent structures on the Summit Beach property. People come to Summit Beach to enjoy the natural environment, and that he and his family would like to strongly encourage the City to not allow any expansion of the park. Betsy Johnson, 460 Long Lake Road East, stated the structure they are proposing to construct would be right in front of her house. The building is proposed to be 9,000 square feet and her house is 7,000 square feet. With this structure in front of her home, she might be able to see the lake if she is upstairs looking MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, November 4, 2019 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 5 of 9 out the window. The view out the front of her house will be the back of the building. When they purchased their house in 2010, they felt it was a charming area and that they are disappointed that this is even being considered. Johnson noted they have not had a realtor out to give them a price for what their property would be worth once the view is obstructed. Johnson commented it appears the building will be higher than what is being portrayed and in her view the park is wonderful the way it is, and she would like to keep it that way. Jane Davidson, 1020 Old Long Lake Road, stated they have one of the best views of the park, and when she walks out to her dock, she is almost at the park. The park is crowded. While it does not have a playground, people swim, paddleboard, and fish. It is a very quiet park. At 10:00 at night the police come by and clear people out. Summit Beach is very different from the Nelson Lakeside Park that has a large playground. Summit Beach is just very unique because it is so natural. Davidson stated she likes the idea of having a natural playground, which is likely the new wave of parks. She can also see the benefit of a small pavilion and some improved picnic tables, which would enhance the park, but that she is very concerned about this extremely large building and private use of a public park at the exclusion of others. Davidson commented she is also concerned about the environmental impact of this proposal. Currently Long Lake is under siege environmentally because it has far too many pollutants, with one of the main pollutants being runoff. It does not appear that the rowing club has considered the environmental impact of their proposal and that the City needs to consider the hardcover with the expanded parking lot and how that will impact the lake. The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District said there could not be walking paths in some of those areas due to the environmental impact. The Long Lake Rowing Club does not represent the entire community but is one component on a small lake. The lake has ski boats, pontoon boats, fishing boats, paddleboards, and the Long Lake Rowing Club. Davidson stated she cannot imagine a club constructing a 9,000 square foot building and not try to expand. It is currently difficult to access the lake when the club is there, and when she was out on the lake one time, an oar just narrowly missed hitting her in the head. Davidson stated in her view the plan is not appropriate. In addition, the proposed building does not look like a multi-functional building. It has storage and a workroom for fixing boats, an office space for the Long Lake Rowing Club, and a conference room. Davidson questioned how this could be a public building. Meyers asked if it would be appropriate for the rowing club to respond to some of the questions raised. Edwards noted the Park Commission is an advisory board and that they can ask for additional comment from the applicant. Meyers noted the City Council is the final arbiter of this and that the Park Commission attempts to listen to all sides. Orono takes environmental concerns very seriously and is a very lake-oriented city. Rob Burrell, president of the Long Lake Rowing Club, noted this is a very preliminary plan and kind of high-level at this point. In terms of expanding the club, it is not their intent to expand the club, but they are looking for a permanent home to store their equipment and boats. Being at Birches is not ideal since MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, November 4, 2019 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 6 of 9 their equipment gets beat up being stored outside and it is not their intent to have more boats on the water but merely to house their equipment. With the club’s expanded hours, they do not have time to put more people and boats on the water. The coaches can only handle so many boats on the water and they are limited to two safety boats. As it relates to safety, Birches is not a safe place to access the water given the slope. The club has to continually put mulch down in order to provide a safe walking path down to the lake. In terms of environmental impacts and the other issues that were raised, those are things the club will take into consideration. The club is not proposing coming into the park as a sole use. While this would be the club’s boathouse, the club wants to improve the park and make it more useful for the community. They also want to keep the park as natural as possible and they are trying to make the structure as less intrusive as possible. Burrell noted they are just in the beginning phases of their plan and that they will be addressing the residents’ concerns as they go through this process. It is not their intention to cause disruption to the neighborhood. Norm Hammond asked whether they are looking for public funding. Burrell stated they would conduct fundraising of their own to help build it. Betsy Johnson asked what type of impact the traffic would have on the neighbors. Currently people are forced to turn into private driveways and turn around. Johnson asked how many actual rowers will be there on a daily basis on top of the people who drive into the area and live there. Johnson indicated her driveway hooks right into the beach and that her children are not allowed to ride on the road due to the number of cars. Johnson stated the neighbors have concerns with the traffic and the noise. Burrell stated in the summer months they do a couple of practice sessions with the juniors and the masters are only in the evenings three times a week. The junior rowers practice more often and there will be approximately 20 to 25 rowers per session, with some of them carpooling. Currently their cars are parked in the back row of Birches, which will provide some idea of the number of cars. Some of the rowers get dropped off. The proposal is to keep the lot small, and if the City ever wanted to expand it, that would be their call. The rowers are not there on Sunday. Meyers noted if this goes to the next level, there will be other opportunities for the residents to comment on the application. Rachel Feldman stated she does not know if going to the extent of a big two-story building is necessary and that perhaps they could cut down a few trees at Birches and construct a smaller structure. Feldman stated she would like to see the parking area stay the same as what currently exists. Meyers asked whether the Park Commission could table this. Edwards stated that is up to the Park Commission, but at some point the applicants would like to go before the City Council. Hudson noted the comments expressed by the public were similar to the comments raised by the Park Commission at their work session and that the Park Commission is interested in something that would have the lowest environmental impact as possible. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, November 4, 2019 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 7 of 9 Roath stated this has been a healthy, productive discussion and that he appreciates everyone’s viewpoints. The Park Commission had the benefit of meeting with the rowing club during their work session and that he knows how the neighbors feel because they had a lot of the same concerns. Roath indicated he is not ready to make a recommendation tonight and that in his view more discussion needs to happen. There were a lot of details the Park Commission heard at the work session that were not raised tonight that the public needs to understand. As a result, his vote is not to make a recommendation tonight because the conversation needs to continue. Berg stated a lot of points raised tonight have been discussed by the Park Commission and that they still have a lot of the same questions on how this will impact the neighborhood. Berg indicated she is not sure she is ready to move it forward at this point. Carter commented he also cannot move it forward and that he does not see a compromise at this point. Ruegemer stated she agrees with the comments of the neighbors. While it is a beautiful plan, Summit Beach is also a beautiful park and she does not feel they should move forward with anything at this point. Johnson stated one of the purposes of the Park Commission is to increase the usage of the parks in Orono and that he does not believe the Park Commission has made an improvement at a park where similar concerns were not raised initially. There are a lot of issues that need to be looked at. The proposal is still at an early point, and he would like to see the dialogue continued. In addition, the environmental aspect needs to be looked into and he would like to see more information about that. Johnson noted at the work session there was a little more stated about the public-private partnership at the park, and that if a little effort was made to have some more of these informational meetings, it would be easier for the Park Commission to make a recommendation. Meyers commented there are a number of issues to be considered. Regardless of this proposal, East Long Lake will change because there will be shoreline restoration and a lineal park created, which will naturally bring in more people to the area. There is always a balance that needs to be struck on things and that they will be spending money to make the northern part a park. While it will attract more people, the shoreline restoration work, however, will improve the water quality of the lake. Meyers stated he views Summit Beach as a rustic park, and the question is whether it needs to be improved or have more use. In the past there has been some naughty use. The bathroom was burned down a few years ago and there is some partying that goes on, which raises some security and safety issues with the other activities that go on down there. The Park Commission has to look at the overall picture. The city-owned parks are for all the residents. In addition, being by a park can increase someone’s value of their home. Meyers commented he appreciates all the residents’ concerns and that it is just a matter of how much give and take there can be. This situation is unique because it would be a private-public partnership but there needs to be more discussion about what will happen at the park. There have been points that have been raised that need to be considered, such as the number of swimmers out there and how far out they swim. The beach does get a fair amount of usage. As a result, the City might have to look at changing the philosophy of that lake and perhaps only allow smaller motors or certain types of uses. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, November 4, 2019 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 8 of 9 Burrell stated in terms of moving forward, their understanding was if they receive a recommendation to move on to the next step, that is where a lot of this discussion would go on. Meyers commented it does not appear that the Park Commission is in favor of making a recommendation at this point. Burrell asked whether there would be another work session that they could appear at. Berg stated the feedback of the residents is new and that she would prefer to have another work session. Meyers suggested discussing this at one more work session and that it would be helpful if the residents submit their written concerns that the Park Commission can look at during the workshop. Jane Davidson stated what they have heard tonight is what is the right thing for the park and the greater community. The Park Commission has not heard from the people who use the park, who are not primarily the neighbors. The park is heavily used and most of them are not the residents in the area. Davidson asked whether the City has done a survey of the people who use the park. Davidson indicated she has not noticed a lot of partying at the park and that it is usually pretty quiet. The question is whether they want the rowing club to have almost exclusive use of this property since it is not looking like it is for the public except for possibly the bathroom. Edwards asked if they would like them to come back for the February work session and perhaps the March Planning Commission meeting. Roath noted the work session would be with the Park Commission and that their work sessions are open to the public. Roath stated that does not mean that the rowing club has to wait until then to reach out to the neighbors. Johnson commented he is not sure he wants a work session where the Park Commission is the arbiter between the two sides and that he would be fine if the parties have their own meetings to see if there is enough common ground. One of the points raised was whether this will be an exclusive use and what is the greater value to the community. Johnson stated in his view those things can be answered in the meantime and then brought before the Park Commission. In his view it would be a mistake to suggest that this is ready to go to the Planning Commission since they would have the same types of questions and that there are still are a lot of questions that need to be answered. Meyers stated hardcover and tree removal will be huge issues. Berg stated another issue is the impact to the beach and the people that use the park. The City wants people to use the parks and make them friendly for everyone, but that is another issue that was raised tonight. Roath stated the City needs to be thinking about the improvements to the area and this proposal together. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, November 4, 2019 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 9 of 9 Meyers commented it will be a big change to the neighborhood and it will not be the little hidden beach that it has been. Ruegemer stated bringing in bikers and hikers and swimmers is different than constructing a 9,000 square foot building for a private club. Rachel Feldman stated she would echo those same comments. The Parks Commission took no formal action on this item. 1 Francis Kulacki and Jane Davidson 1020 Old Long Lake Road Wayzata, Minnesota 55391 November 16, 2019 Orono Park Board RE: Summit Beach Park Dear Orono Park Board members: We are residents of Long Lake and have owned a home on Long Lake near Summit Beach Park since 2011. We are writing to provide our observations on how this park is used and of its benefits to the community, as well as input on the proposal to build multiple docks and a large boat house structure for the benefit of the Long Lake Rowing Club. Summit beach is a jewel among parks because of its natural setting and access to the lake for swimmers. It is most heavily used in the summer by families, young and old, who swim and float from the beach out into the lake, paddleboard, sunbathe and picnic. The swimming beach access is in a calm bay and the natural setting offers places to sit under the trees and sunbathe with a view of the surrounding lake shore. It is used in the winter months for hiking, fishing and access to the lake for skating and biking. These natural amenities are the draw. There is no other park or public area on the lake which offers open access to the lake without boat and rowing traffic or rough water. Motorized boats and rowing skulls are inherently unsafe for swimmers and thus Summit Beach Park is an oasis. The closing of East Long Lake Road to vehicular traffic has drawn many people to walk or bike with their kids along the lake, fish along the shore and hike into Wood Rill. The renovation of this linear extension of the park will expand the park for bird watching, biking, and safer fishing and access to Wood Rill. It also provides an opportunity to reduce the rate at which storm water enters the lake. We enjoy being neighbors of the park and contrary to a comment made in a recent meeting by the chair of the the Park Board, we have never observed unruly or inappropriate use of the park. The park is quiet after 10 pm and the users are respectful of each other and the neighbors. I am aware of an isolated vandalism event several years ago but this problem appears to be solved. We have never had any concern for safety or complaints about noise or improper behavior. There is no problem to be fixed in this regard. I urge the Park Board to preserve Summit beach for the broad use that it enjoys today while improving it to enhance its natural beauty, lessen its environmental impact on wildlife, wetlands, and water quality, and to provide improvements consistent with the use and uniqueness of the property. This is a park where less is more. Upgrading the parking lot with a permeable hard surface, adding a small covered pavilion for multiple picnic tables, enhancing the facilities to include bathrooms and potable water, and providing safe and environmentally sensitive areas for fishing would be beneficial. In addition, a natural play area that mimics nature for play would be a great asset and a draw for families. There are excellent examples of natural play areas in the area (see https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/twin-cities-nature-playgrounds/) 2 The plans presented by the Long Lake Rowing Club do not appear beneficial to the greater community. If implemented, the permanent presence of the LLRC would dominate use of the park at the expense of others. The proposed docks preclude safe access to the lake by non- rowers. In fact, one dock blocks the beach from the lake and both docks are intended for launching skulls or docking LLRC’s motorized boats; they are not designed or intended for use by the public. The proposed building is designed solely for storage and maintenance of private boats, and private office space; it is not a community space. Increased use of the lake by the LLRC over time seems inevitable if this facility is built. Contrary to comments by the LLRC to the Orono Park Board, LLRC has made recent requests to the Cities of Long Lake and Orono for increasing the number of skulls, adding dock space and expanding time on the lake beyond the expansion they were granted in 2019. The proposed use of Summit Park by the LLRC will lead to unsafe conditions for swimmers, paddle boarders, and rowers, especially if the rowing club increases membership and requires expanded hours on the water. The proposers seem unaware of how the park is used today or the impact of their proposal on the environment and on expanded use of the park by others. We urge you to maintain the natural beauty of this park while enhancing it for use by the larger community and securing it for future generations when natural parks may be rarer. We support the development of the linear park and are excited to see that Orono wants to improve the beach area and expand its use. However, we feel that the proposal by the LLRC does not meet these objectives and is short sighted for the good of the larger community. We urge the LLRC to pursue other options not within proximity of the beach area and at a much smaller scale. We question the appropriateness of this use of public property. Sincerely, Jane Davidson, Frank Kulacki From:Joe Haus To:Adam Edwards Cc:longlakerowing@gmail.com Subject:A vote of support for Long Lake Rowing to partner with the City of Orono in building a home at Summit Park on Long Lake Date:Wednesday, February 26, 2020 10:32:56 PM Hello Parks Commission, Please accept my vote of support in partnering with Long Lake Rowing Crew in the search of a boat house and home at Summit Park on Long Lake. As an Orono resident living on Bayside Rd, I have had many community members comment on how much they enjoy watching the rowers on Long Lake. The program is a great community non-profit organization that provided a great experience for my children. After rowing several seasons with LLRC our daughter walked on to the rowing team in Madison and found a community of girls that provide her support and friendship in college. Her experience as a D1 athlete will provide lessons and learnings that will help her throughout life. Our son is a current high school rower and has found a group of hardworking kids that support each other. The kids learn a sense of responsibility in caring for the boats, the equipment, and the environment. The coaches have a great approach to teaching many facets of accountability to a diverse group of teenagers. The team has been very successful at regattas both in the states and in Canada. Thanks for considering this request, Joe & Sue Haus From:Jim Bigham To:Adam Edwards Cc:longlakerowing@gmail.com Subject:Application to develop a growing boat storage facility on Long Lake. Date:Thursday, February 27, 2020 12:46:25 AM My wife and I have lived on the north shore of Long Lake at 1545 Long Lake Blvd. since 1979. We have very much enjoyed watching the rowers since they first started using the old Billy's property to store and launch their boats. We use the lake alot for water skiing, jet skiing, sailing, kayaking and pontooning and have found them to always be respectful and careful. We have watched the competitions and just wished this had started earlier so our 3 children could have participated as they grew up on the lake. We support their application and believe this would be a good use of currently under utilized park property. We also believe this could also help our area high schools develop a good rowing program that many children could participate in and then go on to college programs such as the U of M's. James and Cindy Bigham, 1545 Long Lake Blvd, Orono, MN. Thank you for your consideration of this matter. Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone From:Ryan Thompson (US - ASR) To:Adam Edwards Cc:LLRC Long Lake Rowing Subject:Attn: Orono Parks Commission RE: In Support of Long Lake Rowing Crew Date:Tuesday, February 25, 2020 10:23:35 PM Hello To introduce myself, my name is Ryan Thompson and I've been an active member of the Long Lake Rowing Crew for 3 years as an assistant coach and member of the LLRC community. I'm 25, grew up in the Minneapolis area, rowed for 4 years in college, and currently live and work in Minneapolis. I was initially attracted to LLRC as an avenue to stay connected to the rowing community and to extend the strong sense of teamwork, hard work, and common vision established during my collegiate rowing career. I had a phenomenal experience with the sport of rowing in college and wanted to do my part to enable others to have a similar experience. While good rowing appears fluid, effortless, and graceful to an observer, rowing is the seamless (and most often disorganized) product of 1,000 unique sensations and responses that are learned over time and with diligent practice. It's the pursuit and rare achievement of this challenging dance that continues to attract and motivate community members of all ages, backgrounds, and athletic experience to learn and contribute to the sport of rowing and the LLRC community. With this theme in mind, I want to highlight several of the tangible benefits that LLRC has effectively realized in the Long Lake Community and will continue to realize under the proposed partnership with the city of Orono and Summit Park on Long Lake. LLRC provides opportunities for anyone in the community who wants to enjoy the lake the ability to do-so. LLRC offers increased access to Long Lake, making the lake more accessible to a greater number of people. Establishing a permanent home would enable LLRC to provide organized activities to anyone in the community seeking to enjoy the lake as an observer, learner, or a competitor and may not have the ability or access to enjoy the lake currently. LLRC encourages and is culturally rooted in teamwork, comradery, and community both on and off the water. LLRC promotes fitness and wellness and encourages all members to practice healthy and balanced lives. LLRC takes seriously its role as a community partner, a good steward of the lake, and make community service a priority. These are a few of the reasons that I continue to support LLRC and believe a permanent home at Summit Park will benefit the community. 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From:Jan Guenther To:Adam Edwards Cc:longlakerowing@gmail.com Subject:FW: rowing partnership with Long Lake Date:Wednesday, February 26, 2020 7:45:31 PM Jan Guenther Owner Gear West Ski.Run.Bike www.gearwest.com From: Jan Guenther Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 7:42 PM To: acdwards@ci.orono.mn.us Cc: longlakerowing@gmail.com Subject: rowing partnership with Long Lake Hi everyone on the Orono parks commission. Everyone at Gear West loves the rowing club and sincerely asks that you support the club in their mission to provide an alternative form of fitness and exercise to youth in the area. I have been supported Orono rowing since the beginning when the club could only use the Rettinger’ old car wash building. I have seen them respectfully observe the rights of all users of the lake while growing their sport for both the local youth and for enthusiastic adults who want to improve fitness and enjoy the water. Please allow the LLRC To continue to provide outdoor water recreation to those who love rowing, love the water and enjoy a comradery of outdoor fitness. But to do so they need stability in location and ease of lake access. For those of us who do not care for motor sports on the lake yet are respectful to those who do, I ask that you support those who would also like to use the water in alternative ways. Care will be taken to observe the normal use of beaches and I fully believe there can be room for all of us lake users who appreciate the water and value the lake front. Long Lake is not Excelsior and is not Wayzata, but we have the potential and are on our way to become the “Fitness Hub of the West”. With Gear West as one of the premier bike/ ski stores in the Mpls and greater area, with our growing number of Fitness studios, with the wonderful new bike path thru the town and with our jewel of a lake, Long Lake IS unique. There are very few areas / lakes that have the ability to foster and support a rowing club and we should be proud that such a club exists in our town. Please allow them to grow conservatively in a permanent home. Thank you Jan . Jan Guenther Owner Gear West Ski.Run.Bike www.gearwest.com From:Sarah Borchers To:Adam Edwards Cc:LLRC Long Lake Rowing Subject:Letter in support of City of Orono and Long Lake Rowing Crew regarding Summit Park Date:Tuesday, February 25, 2020 6:47:32 PM Dear Orono Park Commission, I’m writing in support of a partnership between the City of Orono and the Long Lake Rowing Crew in establishing a permanent home at Summit Park on Long Lake for the LLRC. Our family is new to the LLRC, with our 15 year-old just beginning her crew exploration. However, we have enjoyed watching the LLRC members for years on Long Lake from the windows of Birch's, and I believe the City of Orono would benefit from partnering with this group of community members. Having a permanent place at Summit Park would allow for greater programming opportunities for a wider range of community members. As someone who grew up biking to and swimming at Summit Park, and who has also accidentally slipped on the hill near Birch’s where the LLRC currently sets up shop, the Summit Park location is far more accessible to folks. As our demographics in the Orono area grow older, having a wealth of opportunities for people to explore low-impact, accessible and effective exercise (while enjoying our beautiful outdoors) will only become more important. Summit Park has a special place in my heart, and I think having LLRC’s permanent home there is a good idea. Balancing the needs of the greater community and individual homeowners’ preferences is an important role of the Park Commission. Both my husband and our 15 year-old have served on the Medina Park Commission (our daughter as a junior non-voting member), and we’ve learned that there are always pros and cons to every decision. I hope that the members of the Orono Park Commission can see that in this case, the benefits to the wider community are great. Many thanks for your service to Orono, and for considering this partnership. Regards, Sarah Borchers 763-370-4647 From:Laura Buggy To:Adam Edwards Cc:Long Lake Rowing Club Subject:Letter in support of Long Lake Rowing Crew Date:Wednesday, February 26, 2020 10:59:05 PM Dear Orono Parks Commission, I would like to express my support for the Orono Parks Board to partner with Long Lake Rowing Crew in establishing a boat house on Summit Park property. I am a part of the Long Lake Rowing Crew Masters’ (adult) program. When I was looking to join a rowing team (having learned to row my last year of college and interested in learning more), I was thrilled to find an opportunity in the western metro – Long Lake Rowing Crew (LLRC)! I love that LLRC provides opportunities for youth and adults. As there are no rowing teams at high schools, having this opportunity available for youth in the western suburbs is wonderful and saves teens and parents precious time and resources since they do not have to go as far for the opportunity to row. I am constantly in awe of how quickly the youth progress and the high skill level they achieve in a few short years on the team! Having the adult program available is equally important. I think society tends to focus on athletics for youth as well as friendships during your school years. However, staying active and forming new and lasting relationships as an adult is equally important to the health and well being of the community but it can be challenging and daunting. Long Lake Rowing Crew has given me an avenue to stay active and form new relationships, leading to greater physical and mental health! I love that the masters program includes a wide range of ages and abilities: from just out of college to 70s, brand new rower to many many years of experience and everywhere in between! Being part of LLRC for several years, I have greatly enjoyed seeing adults try rowing for the first time and grow in their skills and passion for the sport! This program allows adults who want to compete at a high level and those who want to learn the sport on a recreational level to have access to the same excellent coaching and support. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged! The amount of encouragement and support I feel from my teammates is incredible! This encouragement is not limited to just rowing but transcends into other aspects of my life as well which goes to show the depth of impact being a part of this team can have. I truly feel lucky to be a part of this community and am grateful for the opportunity to use the space at Birch’s on the Lake. Having a permanent home for LLRC at Summit Park would allow Long Lake Rowing Crew to continue providing these amazing opportunities to youth and adults in the Long Lake & Orono greater community for years to come. Thank you for your time and consideration, Sincerely,, Laura Buggy (Golden Valley resident) From:christine carragee To:Adam Edwards; LLRC Long Lake Rowing Subject:LLRC boathouse Date:Monday, February 24, 2020 10:15:41 PM I'm hoping this email reaches the committee planning for the development of the Long Lake beach park. My name is Christine and I have been a rower off and on since 1997. I grew up in Philly where the sport is popular and very competitive. I rowed for my high school and a local club and then went on to row in college and post college in St Paul at a community club. Two years ago I was contacted by some former teammates about an immediate need for a juniors coach for the Long Lake Rowing Crew. I had taken 8 years off since I rowed competitively and wasn't sure I would make a good coach having been so far removed from the sport. I took a CRP class and meet with the former coach as well as the club director and decided to try and help out since I had a flexible schedule that summer. I was immediately impressed by the attitude, effort and capability of the boys and girls teams, with a mix of kids from various public and private schools on the west side of the cities. I got to watch kids form new friendship, build strength and fitness as they grew into their teenage bodies and support each other at regattas throughout that summer and the following seasons. Watching the dedication of both the student athletes and their parents who help run the club and get equipment and food to regattas was extremely motivating for me. I decided I wanted to get back on the water myself and was pleased to find that lake rowing in a single feels MUCH safer than on the Mississippi where you have to worry about fast moving barges and paddleboats which churn up wake that can suck small boats in toward them or swamp the boat making it heavy or unrowable. Compared to my experience rowing I'm St Paul I have found Long Lake to be a similarly welcoming community, but a preferable venue. I've come to enjoy an occasional Saturday after practice breakfast at Birch's or heading to the Rooster bar for a drink with my Masters teammates. Now that I'm pregnant my ability to run or participate in other sports has dramatically deminished, but I've found that sitting on an erg is easy enough on my hips that in my 9th month I can still train with the team at the fire station. My pregnancy would have been a lot less active, social and enjoyable if I didn't have rowing to fall back on. I drive 25 miles from Highland Park to continue to be a part of LLRC because of their willingness to embrace everyone from the juniors who Won the most competitive regatta in the US, the Head of the Charles last fall, to some mid-60s retirees who are finding the sport for their first time. Having a secure physical location to store boats will be helpful to this club in many ways. It will minimize damage to hulls and equipment from the current dirty/ wooded hillside which presents navigation challenges to avoid hitting obstacles getting on and off the water. It will mean less work transitioning from the on the water season to winter training, by providing year round training and storage in the same space and will enable better learn to row teaching space for new rowers or interested community members. With a dedicated boathouse I think the club can grow it's membership and diversity of age and ambitions significantly. It's such a massive volunteer endeavor to keep the club running when the fundamentals of where and how to store equiptment and how to train in inclement weather (which we have a lot of in MN) need to be continualy reevaluated. Rowing will always be a sport which requires more time and efforts to participate in than jogging or cycling, but it's team nature, low impact and the joy of being on water make it worthwhile. I hope a boathouse with lake access gets approved and look forward to continuing to commute out west to enjoy long lake rowing for years to come. From:Josh Golbus To:Adam Edwards Subject:Long Lake Rowing Boat House Date:Monday, February 24, 2020 8:17:34 PM To whom it may concern, I am a high school senior who has rowed for Long Lake rowing crew for several years. Rowing for Long Lake has opened many doors for me. Most of my closest friends I have met through Long Lake rowing. The sport of rowing has gotten me into college at Brown University. I would like to express my complete support for the construction of a boathouse at Summit Park. A boathouse would give our team the space that is necessary to expand, and share the sport of rowing with many others in the community. Thank you for your consideration, Josh Golbus From:Craig Bongart To:Adam Edwards Subject:Long Lake Rowing Boathouse 4 Date:Wednesday, February 26, 2020 10:04:31 PM Greetings, I am reaching out with enthusiastic support for a permanent boathouse at Summit Park For the Long Lake Rowing Crew. Of course this will be great for the club, but even more than that, what a unique opportunity for Long Lake and the little known and used park. The LLRC has grown into a respected community oriented program where kids and adults alike can learn to row, and have the chance to compete at the most prestigious regatta’s, here and abroad if they so desire. A graceful sport that for residents and visitors to the lake can be mesmerizing to watch, and of course it doesn’t involve loud motors. With this email I respectfully ask for your support. This is a perfect fit as Long Lake continues to evolve and improve. I grew up in Orono and moved to Long Lake in high school. I graduated from Orono as have all three of my kids. My mother was the long-time elementary principle. This is a community I know well. I truly hope the commission embraces this opportunity to support and benefit from this community, non-profit club that is open to all who wish to learn, compete or just admire and observe. Respectfully, Craig Craig Bongart 763.607.2175 Sent from my iPad From:Karen Kasner To:Adam Edwards Subject:Long Lake Rowing Boathouse Date:Wednesday, February 26, 2020 2:19:21 PM Dear Orono Parks Commission, I am writing to express my support of the the Long Lake Rowing Club and their efforts to establish a permanent home on Long Lake. As an Orono community member for the past 15 years, I have driven by Long Lake almost every day and often wished I was one of the lucky ones with a home on the water. The rowing club has added a mysterious allure to the lake. It is so serene to see the boats gently gliding through the tranquil water on a misty summer morning. When I read the articles of the regatta success the club brings home with them, it adds to my pride in being an Orono/Long Lake resident. What a fascinating and unusual sport and we are so lucky to be able to engage and support the young and old who are working so hard at it. I was so intrigued with the sport, that I decided to join the club. I have been amazed at the group’s small town feel and welcoming attitude. They are dedicated to fitness and inclusivity for the entire community. I am looking forward to the chance to be on the lake with them this summer, an opportunity I would not have otherwise had. Thank you for your consideration of their request Karen Kasner 845 Willow View Drive From:Brennan Greene To:Adam Edwards; Long Lake Rowing Subject:Long Lake Rowing Club Date:Tuesday, February 25, 2020 9:30:40 AM Hello, just wanted to let whomever is concerned know how great the Long Lake Rowing Club is. Over the last 5 years I have watched the club grow as they currently use the space behind Birch's as their home base. It is amazing to see how many more people of all ages that are experiencing rowing on Long Lake. It is the perfect lake for rowing as it is long and calm. The club is also something interesting for our customers to watch as they dine out on our deck overlooking the lake. Just seeing the peaceful rowers moving silently across the lake elevates our entire community, as most people never get to see a sport like this. They are consistently loading up their boats and representing our towns at meets all across the state and even in Canada. The club is always respectful of our space, but is rapidly outgrowing it. Birch's is in full support of them getting their own boat house in the future, and thinks that the presence of the club is something that really sets Long Lake/Orono apart from other communities. Please let me know if you have any questions about how they operate from a land owner perspective. Thank you. -Brennan Greene Brewmaster/Owner 314-910-7346 Birch's on the Lake Brewhouse & Supperclub 1310 West Wayzata Blvd Long Lake, MN 55356 952-473-7373 Birch's Lowertown Tap Room & Barrel House 289 E 5th St Suite 3 St Paul, MN 55101 651-432-HOPS (4677) From:Margo Hunt To:Adam Edwards Subject:Long Lake Rowing Crew Boathouse 2 Date:Tuesday, February 25, 2020 3:37:33 PM    To: Orono Parks Commission Without a doubt, adding a Long Lake Rowing Crew (LLRC) Boathouse will have a profound and positive impact on the Long Lake community and its neighboring communities. The long-term commitment that LLRC and the Boathouse brings are many. The boathouse will give everyone in the area access to the sport of rowing and access to Long Lake. Providing an opportunity for health and fitness in a low impact setting with high results for all ages in the community and beyond. Communities and neighborhoods benefit greatly from public spaces that include unique regional features such as boathouses. LLRC is committed to be good steward of Long Lake, its water quality and shoreline preservation, (as rowing shells are quiet and no-wake boats.) The LLRC Boathouse will provide public restrooms for Summit Park, a much needed improvement and will improve everyone’s visit to Summit Park. The presence of the LLRC Boathouse will discourage unwanted activities at the park and offer the sport of rowing to all. Rowing can change lives by promoting fitness, teamwork, leadership and more. As stated in our club vision and mission... We strive to be the most all-inclusive, fun, and competitive rowing club in the Twin Cities, committed to providing expert instruction, promoting personal and competitive achievement, and enriching our members and community through the sport of rowing. We hope this encourages the residents and the Orono Park Commission to get involved in an extraordinary opportunity! Again, LLRC is committed to community service and having the LLRC Boathouse will make an immeasurable positive impact on the city of Long Lake and the Orono Park System. Sincerely, Margo Hunt & Patrick Donlin Master Rowers Sent from my iPhone Sent from my iPhone From:Drew Mitchellette To:Adam Edwards Subject:Long Lake Rowing Crew Boathouse 3 Date:Wednesday, February 26, 2020 6:54:45 PM Dear Orono Parks Commission, As a four year member of Long Lake Rowing Crew, I would like to express my support for the creation of a permanent home. Long Lake Rowing Crew has served as an anchor throughout my high school career, and will continue to as I return home each year from college. This fun, inclusive club has positively affected many lives in our community. After spending four years in the rowing community, it has became clear to me that LLRC is recognized at the national level. Members in the rowing community think highly of our club, and therefore bringing positive attention to this town. I have received compliments about the clubs unique and welcoming atmosphere. While rowers have the option of being competitive or recreational, my friends and I have had a blast training here on Long Lake, and then traveling across the county to compete. Establishing a permeant home for Long Lake Rowing Crew would allow us to expand this opportunity to more people in our community. As a resident of Long Lake and graduate of Orono High School, I feel a permanent home would bring positive publicity to these adjoined communities. A boathouse, potentially on Summit Beach, I feel, would create curiosity and excitement among our community. I believe the establishment of a permanent home for Long Lake Rowing Crew would add great value to the communities surrounding Long Lake. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Andrew Mitchellette From:Larry Peszek To:Adam Edwards Subject:Long Lake Rowing Crew Boathouse Date:Monday, February 24, 2020 9:18:28 PM Mr. Edwards / Orono Parks Commission, I’m taking the opportunity to write to you in support of the proposed Long Lake Rowing Crew (LLRC) boathouse. My wife Donna joined LLRC a few years ago, and my work schedule allowed me to finally pursue rowing for the first time last year at the ripe “young” age of 65. It’s been a great experience! I know that you are aware of the club’s basic aim of providing an opportunity for anyone in the community to enjoy the lake and enhance one’s fitness and wellness through the tremendous sport of rowing. Creating a boathouse home would certainly enhance LLRC’s ability to make this a reality for many individuals for many years to come, and it would be a great asset for the city of Orono and for Long Lake. But I also wanted to speak to some things my wife and I have observed as members of LLRC. The senior rowers, coaches, and especially the leadership of LLRC are people of character and integrity. They are very committed to be thoughtful stewards of the lake, and to be highly valued members of the community. LLRC is also simply a very friendly and sociable group. The junior rowers are outstanding young people – polite, dedicated, respectful, and disciplined. I suspect that some junior rowers are drawn to the sport because they possess these traits, and some I suspect develop these traits because of what the sport and LLRC require. Regardless, it is genuinely rewarding to watch these young women and men as they train, develop, and compete. LLRC leadership clearly is very focused on the importance of the junior program, and the parents of the juniors are likewise very dedicated to supporting LLRC as part of the community. Thank you for taking the time to read this. We hope that we have the commission’s support moving forward. Sincerely, Larry Peszek 5401 Lake Sarah Heights Drive Independence, MN 55357 612.669.1319 From:Ben Wasscher To:Adam Edwards Cc:LLRC Long Lake Rowing Subject:Long Lake Rowing Crew Proposal Date:Wednesday, February 26, 2020 6:55:06 PM Dear Mr or Ms Edwards, I am a member of the Long Lake Rowing Crew. I wanted to make sure that you were aware of my support for the plans to establish a permanent home on Long Lake. Rowing is an awesome sport and it is clearly gaining in interest among high school students and adults alike. There are not many sports where high school students and older participants (am 62 myself) interact so closely. Rowing is a long impact, high intensity sport. Resulting in fit and healthy participants without the risk of injuries. I can certainly recommend to all people from Orono who have not yet decided to join. Best regards Ben Wasscher 4775 North Shore Drive Orono, MN 55364 From:Kaelynn Heiberg To:Adam Edwards Cc:Long Lake Rowing Subject:Long Lake Rowing Crew Summit Park Project Date:Wednesday, February 26, 2020 4:02:24 PM Hello Mr. Edwards and the Orono Parks Commission, My name is Kaelynn Heiberg and I am one of the coaches for Long Lake Rowing Crew. I wanted to help demonstrate to the Orono Parks Commission that Long Lake Rowing Crew is a community asset and that a boathouse in Summit Park will help this rowing crew continue to serve the Orono community. As a coach I have seen the difference that rowing can make to kids and adults alike. Long Lake Rowing Crew provides a safe space to learn a new skill, to make lifelong friendships and to gain confidence that can be taken from the boat into rowers’ daily lives. Rowing is also a new way for people to enjoy a wonderful lake, like Long Lake, and to get exercise as well. Indoor rowing has been growing in popularity lately and as a rowing club we could help people translate that new interest in rowing to the outdoors, getting the workout they looked for in the indoor class, while being able to enjoy the beautiful lake and park. Rowing is also a skill that high school students can take to college. In recent years our high school program has seen successes that have gotten noticed nationwide, so that when our high schoolers visit college rowing teams, the rowers and coaches recognize Long Lake Rowing Crew as a successful program, one that creates rowers who are assets to teams across the country. Long Lake rowers are encouraged to take part in community service projects, to come together as a team off the water, and to show appreciation for the community that supports us. Rowing is a great way to learn teamwork and leadership skills, and when we host community learn-to-row classes, we ask current rowers to help us coaches lead these classes. The classes give our rowers a chance to engage with new people and help teach the sport of rowing. The learn-to-row classes we offer through Orono Community Education are almost always full and usually have a waitlist, showing us that there is community interest in rowing already. A boathouse would help us continue to improve the quality of these classes and give us more options if the lake was windy or too rainy to row on. A boathouse would be a place indoors to hold the learn-to-row safely without making participants reschedule during the busy summer months. With a partnership between the Orono Parks Commission and Long Lake Rowing Crew, Summit Park would become a new place for people to try rowing and to enjoy the lake. Thank you, Kaelynn Heiberg From:Zoner, Eric To:Adam Edwards Cc:Diann Zoner; Zoner, Eric Subject:Long Lake Rowing Crew Support Date:Thursday, February 27, 2020 9:19:29 AM Dear Orono Parks Commission, We are Eric and Diann Zoner, Orono residents for 16 years. We were first introduced to rowing on Long Lake in 2013 when our high school sophomore daughter, Olivia, joined the club to learn how to row. At that time there were fewer than twenty club members. Today there are more than ninety- five junior and master rowers. Our daughter was instantly hooked on the sport, and we were quickly drawn in by the playful personality of the team and the natural camaraderie of its members, parents and coaches. To this day, we are still in awe at how a group of such humble beginnings has grown into a such a respected club and internationally recognized team. From the very beginning, this club had the vision and passion to build, not only a team, but a brand and a respected presence in the community. A boathouse has long been the anchor of this dream. In 2014 Orono and Long Lake neighbors saw an abandoned, neglected building with a pot-holed parking lot. But LLRC saw a place to call home, and their pride drove them to improve the property to let the community know they were serious. When the question of the team’s impact on the community is raised, we recall the overwhelming response we received when it came time to reclaim the property and cleanup the site and lakeshore. At times we had over fifty volunteers ankle deep in mud and filling dumpsters. All this from a juniors team that had grown to twenty-five members. If this group felt such pride in an abandoned lot, just think of the pride and level of commitment they will have for a more permanent structure built for the purpose of the life-long sport of rowing. This boathouse would not only provide a home for LLRC, it would provide a place for community education and the promotion of health and fitness. It will provide a place where the community can gather to learn, play and enjoy our beautiful lake. In closing, over the life of the club, LLRC has been an exceptional neighbor and steward of the shore and lake. A boathouse in Summit Park would be a great way to add to the charm of Orono, showcase Long Lake and bring attention to an under-utilized natural gem. It will also serve as a gathering place for years to come where friendships, memories and a sense of community will continue to be built. Sincerely, Eric and Diann Zoner 1050 Cox Farm Road Orono, MN 55356 (952) 473-0072 From:Rose Winkels To:Adam Edwards Cc:LLRC Long Lake Rowing Subject:Orono Parks Commission - LLRC Boathouse Date:Wednesday, February 26, 2020 7:19:59 PM Orono Parks Commission, My husband, our five children and I have been living in the Orono/Long Lake/Maple Plain area for the past 25 years. We do not own a motorboat, we do not fish, and we do not live near a lake. My husband grew up near water and it was always his dream to own a boat and live next to the water, but that never worked out for us. We drove by Long Lake often, but never found a way to engage in the lake and enjoy it. Then our youngest daughter Ava, after trying numerous sports, tried rowing with LLRC and she fell in love. She would get giddy just driving past Long Lake and could not wait to get out on the water and just be - just be one with the water. Rowing has become her passion and she feels a tremendous devotion to Long Lake. She is so proud to say that she is part of Long Lake Rowing! It has not all been easy, there has been lots of hard work, and she has had to work harder than rowers from most clubs because we are such a young club that does not have the facilities that most clubs have. Ava has recruited friends from school and the community to join the rowing team. These are people that have never had a connection with the water. She also convinced my husband and I to join LLRC. So my husband did not get his dream of owning a motorboat and living on the water, but instead we are rowing on Long Lake three days a week and thoroughly appreciating all that the lake has to offer. It has given us the opportunity to use the lake that we had been driving past for 25 years but did not have a way to engage with. Ava was recruited by the University of Kansas to row on their D1 Collegiate team. She was so proud to tell the coaches, teammates, and all of her fellow classmates that her heart is in Long Lake. LLRC opened a door to the lake that Ava, her friends that she has recruited to be on the team and my husband and I would never have gotten without rowing. The next step is to build a boathouse for LLRC so that the club has a home to invite the community into and share this beautiful life long sport of rowing. We personally feel a commitment to the club, to the lake itself and the community surrounding the lake and we hope that the Orono Parks Commission will support LLRC in it’s efforts to build a boat house that will promote the lake and bond the community together. Thank you in advance for any support that you can provide! Rose Winkels From:John Winston To:Adam Edwards Cc:longlakerowing@gmail.com Subject:Rowing Boathouse Date:Tuesday, February 25, 2020 7:45:19 AM Dear Park Commissioners: Our family enthusiastically support the creation of a rowing boathouse on Long Lake. Daughter Morgan and son John both participated in the LLRC’s rowing program, and were the beneficiaries of the program’s training and competition. We expect that Morgan will return to the sport once she is established with a new job in our community. That’s one of the great pluses of the sport. Participants can be young and old. And it’s great fun to watch-a beautiful sport all can enjoy, either as a participant or as a spectator. The proposed boathouse will add immeasurably to the experience and enjoyment of the sport on Long Lake. We ask that you approve the project. It will be of great benefit to our community and its residents, young and old. Thank you. John B Winston 245 Inland Lane No. Plymouth, MN 55447 612-597-6660 From:Mary Delmore To:Adam Edwards Cc:LLRC Long Lake Rowing Subject:Support of LLRC Date:Wednesday, February 26, 2020 2:33:48 PM My profile: Orono resident for 26 years Novice master rower with LLRC Recently 63 yr old retired attorney Founding and regular user of the Orono Activity Center Attention Orono Parks Commission, I have lived in Orono for 26 yrs. and have watched the area evolve with the Highway 12 bypass project, development of multiple neighborhoods, the shop Long Lake effort and the face lift associated with the 112 reconstruction project. Ever since the LLRC started rowing on Long Lake I watched them with keen interest. It is such an elegant, artful sport that very of us have had an opportunity to try or watch. When working out at the Orono Community Center I met some master rowers and noticed that the Orono Community Ed offered an adult learn to row class with LLRC. I put aside my inhibitions and took the class. I was a recently retired attorney and at 62 and 5 foot 2” with no prior rowing experience -- I was hardly the likely recruit. I was totally hooked after my first time on the water. The sport is very artful and requires a deceptive amount of technique that will take me years to fully develop. I am ergging at the Long Lake Fire Department January – March before getting on the water this spring. Ergging at the LLFD is fine example of a community partnership with LLRC. I have met a number of new people who live in the community and surrounding area in the Masters club and everyone is very welcoming and gracious to a novice rower with zero experience. It’s been refreshing to take on a new challenge and push myself out of my comfort zone – and all right in my back yard. It’s not a sport for the faint of heart. I am confident the LLRC will continue to be a strong community partner and good steward of Long Lake. You should consider me a representative example of a committed community member interested in the both the future of Long Lake and the LLRC. I strongly urge you to support LLRC and provide the public community an opportunity to try rowing. Watching rowers on the lake is very picturesque and is a unique sport that distinguishes Long Lake. It should be fostered. Sincerely, Mary Delmore mary@mrdlaw.biz From:Hotmail To:Adam Edwards Cc:longlakerowing@gmail.com Subject:Support of Long Lake Rowing Date:Wednesday, February 26, 2020 9:15:32 PM As an Orono resident, I am writing to support Long Lake Rowing’s petition for their own Permanent structure on Long Lake. My son, Gavin, has been a member of LLRC for the past few years. It has ignited a passion of rowing in him, and is something he wants to pursue in college and beyond. Because the local schools do not offer crew, LLRC Is their only option. In addition to fitness and teamwork, crew also is teaching him respect. I am confident that LLRC and its participants will respect the lake and the environment and be good stewards of the parks. Having a permanent home will not only benefit our family but the community at large. It will engage more residents in the outdoors and all Orono has to offer. Thank you for seriously considering LLRC’s petition. Laura Stoltenberg From:Nichole Hirsch Kuechle To:Adam Edwards Cc:Amy LLRC Johnson Subject:Thumbs up for LLRC boathouse at Summit Park Date:Thursday, February 27, 2020 12:24:06 AM I'd like to share my insights as to how LLRC is an asset to our community. Having grown up in Maple Plain, attended Orono schools K-12, and now raising my own family and running a small business in Long Lake, thriving community resources are important to me. An organization that has grown near and dear to our hearts is the Long Lake Rowing Crew. Our oldest daughter is entering her third summer of rowing with LLRC and I can't say enough about what connecting into that group has provided. Sunny has expanded her "family" and we have gained new friends, have seen new and different places on the map, and get the tremendous honor of watching her grow, push, and stretch herself under the guidance of Coach Nicholas. Providing she and other local youth and adults fitness and wellness opportunities is important for the growth and vitality of our small town. One thing I appreciate most is due to it being a club versus a district sport, Long Lake then attracts rowers from Minnetonka, Wayzata, Benilde, Blake, Breck, and beyond. The niche that LLRC has carved out is making its mark. Community members light up in conversation when they find out we are involved with this group. They are excited to hear what the rowers are up to and that we've got a space to utilize via Birches in which to congregate. The downside is that as a club we've got no space to call home or expand into. The result is inconsistencies in training, movement and time waste in hauling and storing equipment, and not a chance at bringing a real time regatta to Long Lake. To establish a home base for this group enables LLRC to provide programming that could be open to anyone in the community who wants to participate and have access to the lake. It also opens the opportunity for LLRC to stand tall and proud in its role as a community partner, wherein community service opportunities are open to all members. Our family has launched many a paddle board excursion from Summit Beach. We've taken our kids to this cleaner side of the lake for years to swim and enjoy the rope swing. It's a smaller beach that provides a more intimate sense of connection to neighbors. The only downside to this park is the unkempt nature of the area. More parking, a clean boathouse, picnic area, and well groomed/outlined beach with a dock would be a lovely and well received addition to our community. -- Nichole Hirsch Kuechle My Healthy Beginning Clinical Master, Nutrition Response Testing PSYCH-K® Facilitator E: nichi@myhealthybeginning.com P: 612-418-3801 www.MyHealthyBeginning.com Put yourself first this month with a FREE Heart Sound Recorder scan followed by a 15 minute visit to test for your heart healthy specific supplements. ($85 value at no cost to you). Call 612-418-3801 to schedule TODAY! ***Supplements are out of pocket cost. The Heart Sound Recorder is a microphone that is 24,000 times louder than a stethoscope!*** From:Jennifer Letscher To:Adam Edwards Subject:Upcoming vote on Long Lake Rowing Boathouse Date:Tuesday, February 25, 2020 8:26:31 PM Hello Parks Commission, I am hoping you will consider voting YES on the upcoming proposal and building plans being presented by the Long Lake Rowing Club for a boathouse on Long Lake. We have been a part of the club for the past few years and can attest to their community spirit and inclusive philosophy. They are a wonderful club that can bring an amazing sport - rowing - to the wider community. Establishing a permanent home can allow Long Lake Rowing Crew to provide programing that is open and available to anyone in the community. The sport of rowing is an amazing sport that provides not only exercise but cooperate teamwork. Long Lake Rowing Crew is a non-profit community club that is committed to sharing the life-long sport of rowing with all local community members. Please consider this when voting. Thank you, Jennifer Letscher 1 From:SANDRA McCarthy <sandraMN@msn.com> Sent:Thursday, February 27, 2020 2:32 PM To:Adam Edwards Cc:longlakerowing@gmail.com Subject:Attention: Orono Parks Commission. Support for Long Lake Rowing Crew Dear Orono Parks Commission, I am writing in support of Long Lake Rowing Crew (LLRC) and their desire to have a permanent home with access to Long Lake. Rowing is a sport that can be learned and enjoyed by people of almost any age and creates a beneficial social component that connects people to their local community. As a non-profit, LLRC strives to be an inclusive club that promotes wellness, self esteem, camaraderie, and community involvement. Long Lake Rowing Crew has had an impressive competitive history in it’s short time, yet it welcomes rowers of every caliber--those who simply want to soak up the beautiful environment, all the way to those who have represented the United States on the national rowing team. For the junior rowers, LLRC has created the opportunity for local athletes to participate and learn from being part of a team. For many, it has been the pathway for them to attend universities they otherwise may not have been able to attend. For those already in a college program, rowing on Long Lake has been essential during the off-season to allow them to continue to excel and maintain their scholarships. For adults, LLRC presents the wonderful opportunity for experienced rowers to continue their love of the sport through competition or just for fun and fitness. For adults new to the sport of rowing, LLRC offers the chance to learn something new and according to most adults in the program, “Something they always wanted to try but didn’t have access to.” The current situation of storing equipment outdoors, is not secure and drastically shortens the lifespan of expensive equipment. This also deters private boat owners, who would be valuable members to LLRC, from wanting to join and contribute to the community. The lack of a boathouse also doesn’t support the social component that so many people desire about team sports. A permanent home for LLRC will 2 allow for a safer, more secure environment for equipment and for people. It will create more opportunities for the local community to get out in nature, enjoy the lake, keep minds and bodies healthy and create lasting memories through friendship and community. Thank you for your consideration, Sandra and Finbarr McCarthy   1 From:LLRC Long Lake Rowing <longlakerowing@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, February 27, 2020 3:24 PM To:Adam Edwards Subject:Fwd: LLRC equipment storage at Summit Park on Long Lake, Orono Adam, Just forwarding this to you, as Tammis said her email to you bounced back. (looks like an extra ".") Thank you! ~amy ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Tammis McMillan <tammis.mcmillan@outlook.com> Date: Thu, Feb 27, 2020 at 2:53 PM Subject: LLRC equipment storage at Summit Park on Long Lake, Orono To: aedwards@ci.orono.mn.us. <aedwards@ci.orono.mn.us> Cc: longlakerowing@gmail.com <longlakerowing@gmail.com>, Isabel Keating (isabella.keating@gmail.com) <isabella.keating@gmail.com> To Orono City Council: As a resident on Long Lake, I have greatly enjoyed and appreciate the Long Lake Rowing Club. I understand their need for a permanent storage facility and give my support for the initial proposed site at Summit Beach, Orono on Long Lake. Sincerely, Tammis McMillan 1274 Tealwood Place Long Lake, MN -- Amy Johnson 612.850.3192 Director LLRCrew Long Lake Rowing Crew www.longlakerowing.org Face Book: Long Lake Rowing Crew Twitter: @LLRCrew Follow us on Instagram 1 From:Lori Goodsell <drlorigoodsell@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, February 27, 2020 3:58 PM To:Adam Edwards Subject:Long Lake Rowing Club 2 Hello, As a resident of Long Lake and user of Summit Park, I am writing to ask you to protect and nurture Long Lake Rowing Club. It's a great club that taught me to row for the first time 18 months ago. I've felt a lot more connected to the communities of Long Lake and Orono and have spent a lot of time on the lake since taking up rowing and I would have never found my love for rowing without a rowing club so close to my home. Before that, I would launch my paddleboard from Summit Beach. It's a nice piece of land but so underutilized! I remember the time the criminals set fire to the portapotties 2-3 years ago. Hopefully with more action in the park and more people around, we will have less crimes of that nature. One thing I didn't know about rowing before I started is that it is a sport where many generations are involved which makes for responsible use and supervision of young people as well. Our little Long Lake/Orono hub is such a center of fitness right now. Please us keep it that way and continue to expand our health and wellness offerings. Considering the water quality issues we've spent the last couple years working on with Long Lake, it seems non-motorized water craft use would be highly encouraged as it's the least impactful environmentally on the lake AND has a positive impact on our community member's health. Please support Long Lake rowing club finding a permanent home on Long Lake at Summit Beach. Dr Lori Goodsell -- This email and its attachments may contain privileged and confidential information and/or protected health information (PHI) intended solely for the use of Dr. Lori Goodsell and the recipient(s) named above. If you are not the recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution, printing or copying of this email message and/or any attachments is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately at 763-553-0387 and permanently delete this email and any attachments. 1 From:Rea James <sales@jamespq.com> Sent:Thursday, February 27, 2020 4:16 PM To:Adam Edwards Subject:Long Lake Rowing Crew boathouse proposal To: Orono Parks Commission  Dear Commission Members,  The purpose of this email is to give you our strong support for the proposed boathouse and other improvements  presented by the Long Lake Rowing Crew (LLRC).  We live in Long Lake, and are proud of the lake and its value to the  community.  A lake with active participants – whether it be water skiiers, swimmers, paddleboarders, fishermen, or  rowers – signifies a healthy community that supports active lifestyles outside.  Additionally, the lake is an important  draw for local businesses, and the proposed LLRC improvements has the potential to boost visitors (and business) to the  area.    While we have only had one year of involvement with LLRC, we have noticed the rowers on the lake for many years, and  marveled at the beauty of the sport. Every person I have ever talked with (no kidding!) loves the sight of rowers on the  water!  As we have become more involved with LLRC, we have only been more impressed with the club as it is truly a  community‐based club that welcomes all.  Finally, establishing a permanent home for the club will help to provide programming to all community members.  This is  key, as the club is relatively new (just over five years), and there is a lot of interest / curiosity among community  residents about the sport itself (rules, events, etc.).    We appreciate you taking the time to review this email in support of LLRC’s boathouse. We really feel it can only bring  benefits to not only the lake, but to the wider community as a whole.  Thank you.  Best Regards,  Rea and Jeremy James  1 From:Melinda Nelson <melindaclaire@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:41 PM To:Adam Edwards Subject:Long Lake Rowing Crew To the Orono Parks Commission, I'm a master rower with the Long Lake Rowing Crew and I'm writing in support of a permanent home on Long Lake. I've been part of the club since the beginning, so I have a deep appreciation for the communities of Orono and Long Lake. My late father used to live in Long Lake so I'm grateful to both cities for allowing the club to grow and thrive, since it gives me an opportunity to spend time in an area he loved. I live in Excelsior, a city that provides a unique sense of community for both residents and visitors. Similarly, I believe that Long Lake Rowing Crew has enhanced and expanded the sense of community in Orono and Long Lake. Over the last seven-plus years, my fellow rowers and I have spent many hours learning to row and encouraging new people to discover Long Lake and watch/participate in the sport. I've also made Orono and Long Lake part of my regular routine, as I shop at Harvest Moon and buy coffee at Caribou and gas at SuperAmerica/Speedway. I buy plants and shrubs at Otten Brothers and wine at the liquor store. I also dine at Birch's, both after rowing practice and all year-round with family and friends from across the Twin Cities. I hope you will support a permanent home on the lake, as I believe it will allow the club to further support and enhance the spirit of community in Orono and Long Lake. Sincerely, Melinda Nelson Melinda Nelson Tel. 612-840-1149 -- Melinda Nelson Tel. 612-840-1149 1 From:Sandie Berger <sandie596@yahoo.com> Sent:Thursday, February 27, 2020 10:57 PM To:Adam Edwards Cc:Long Lake Rowing Llrc Subject:Long Lake Rowing program Long Lake is a beautiful natural asset in our community and the Long Lake Rowing Club has leveraged that asset for the  benefit of athletes, spectators, and the community at large.  My daughter, Julie Berger (Orono High School ‘15), joined the club in 2013.  The club was fairly new, and the excitement  of all the people learning to row was palpable.  In the short time that rowing has been available on Long Lake, the  success of the program has been incredible.  Several high school athletes have gone on to row in prestigious collegiate  programs, many with generous scholarship offers.   Perhaps more important though, are the number of people,  including my daughter and me, who have been exposed to a wonderful lifetime sport.  The Long Lake Rowing Club is a  tremendous asset to our community ‐ benefiting both those on the water and those spectating from the comfort of  Birch’s.  I am completely in support of a better facility and permanent home for the club.  Sandie Berger  1150 Old Crystal Bay Road  Wayzata, MN. 55391  Sent from my iPhone  1 From:Paul Terry <paul.terry@hero-health.org> Sent:Thursday, February 27, 2020 2:08 PM To:Adam Edwards Subject:Orono Parks Commission and a Long Lake Rowing Facility To the Orono Parks Commission,  This email is offered in support of the proposed addition of a rowing facility at Summit Park on Long Lake. I  anticipate that you are receiving considerable support from sports and fitness enthusiasts, from parents who  understand the value of youth sports and from the many who are eager to see Long Lake flourish as a  community with diverse and inclusive recreational offerings.  This email is to affirm each of these as terrific reasons for you to support a new rowing facility but also to  appeal to the commission about the vital role that our parks and Long Lake/Orono's recreational offerings  contribute to the business well‐being of these and surrounding communities.   I have had the pleasure of being the CEO of three different organizations based here in the Twin Cities. When  it comes to retaining talent that already works in Minnesota and, in particular, relating to the challenge of  attracting and recruiting talent from around the nation to come work for us in Minnesota, I have routinely  touted the active, hearty Minnesota lifestyle and the beauty and inimitable charm and allure of our Minnesota  lakes. My work relates to worksite health promotion research and the relationship between healthy living and  worker engagement and productivity. The evidence that has amassed over the past two decades shows that  companies with robust health and well‐being offerings and opportunities regularly out perform those without  a focus on employee well‐being.   As I'm sure you already appreciate, recruiting top talent has gotten ever more difficult in a low unemployment  economy.  I anticipate you also know that the twin cities has a unique need for technical talent in the  healthcare, technology and food science fields as well as in our highly competitive universities. Related to this,  you may not know that rowing is one of those lifetime sports that appeals mightily to these kinds of  professionals who love to stretch themselves physically and emotionally as a way to keep in top mental shape  for their work demands.   My current role as a Fellow in a healthcare related think tank includes convening leaders from around the  nation who are committed to building private and public partnerships that improve community health.  Businesses are increasingly eager to engage with community leaders such as those of you serving on the Parks  Commission because they believe that healthy communities play a central role in growing healthy businesses.  Please don't hesitate to let me know if I can offer other information about the business benefits of supporting  sports facilities such as the rowing center you are considering for Long Lake.  With thanks for your work on behalf of the community.  Paul Terry  2     Paul Terry, PhD  Senior Fellow  952‐300‐6608           1 From:DeeAnn Stinebaugh <deeann.stinebaugh@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, February 27, 2020 2:38 PM To:Adam Edwards Cc:longlakerowing@gmail.com Subject:Orono Parks Commission Hello- As a resident of Orono, and a parent of a former junior rower from Long Lake Rowing Crew, I would like to show my support for the boat house on Long Lake. LLRC has brought the life long sport of rowing to our family and to our community. My daughters first experience with rowing was at the University of Minnesota during a summer camp. When she decided she wanted to pursue the sport we were thrilled to find a club in Long Lake. Long Lake is the perfect location for so many reasons, including the size of the beautiful lake and the supportive community. This boat house, a permanent home for LLRC would enable them to continue to serve the community by providing programming for all ages and all skill levels. It is a beautiful sport to watch and so many people have commented to me that they enjoy watching the rowers on the lake. LLRC not only provides fitness opportunities for all ages, they are conscientious in their use of the land and lake, and provide community service opportunities for their members. Please support the use of the land at Summit Park on Long Lake for LLRC. Best- DeeAnn Stinebaugh 1 From:Bianca Januik <Bianca@primroseplymouth.com> Sent:Friday, February 28, 2020 7:34 AM To:Adam Edwards Cc:longlakerowing@gmail.com Subject:Row Club Good Morning,  Although this email may be late, I wanted to take a moment to show our support of a permanent Boat House on Long  Lake. Long Lake is a wonderful lake, positioned in the middle of a community and as you know enjoyed be many  throughout the summer months. We fully support and encourage a permanent Boat House on the lake that would  encourage and provide many to take advantage of the many positive effects of rowing, as well as an additional reason to  enjoy the Lake and surrounding parks. Not only will this structure add volume to the Rowing Club but as I stated prior  the benefits that it would add to the community are abundant  and I am confident members of the area would take full  advantage of.   Thank you,  Bianca and Bob Januik  Area Residents   PARK COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM Prepared By: Reviewed By: Approved By: 1. Purpose. The purpose of this action is to get a Park Commission approval of the revised schedule for Park Commission meetings. 2. Background. At the January 2020 Park Commission Meeting the Commission expressed an interest in adjusting the commission meeting schedule. 3. Existing Calendar. Currently the Park Commission meets formally every other month except December and on the alternating months has a work session. Meetings are on the first Monday of the month. January February March Regular (6 PM) Work Session (1 PM) Regular (6 PM) April May June Work Session (1 PM) Regular (6 PM) Work Session (1 PM) July August September Regular (6 PM) Work Session Regular (6 PM) October November December Work Session (1 PM) Regular (6 PM) No Meeting 4. Proposed Calendar. The proposed meeting calendar consists of one regular meeting per quarter, one work session per quarter at 1PM and one work session per quarter at 6PM. The exception remains the fourth quarter when there is not a meeting in December. Meetings remain on the first Monday of the Month. January February March Work Session (1 PM) Work Session (6 PM) Regular (6 PM) April May June Work Session (1 PM) Work Session (6 PM) Regular (6 PM) July August September Work Session (1 PM) Work Session (6 PM) Regular (6 PM) October November December Work Session (1 PM) Regular (6 PM) No Meeting 5. Way Forward. If approved by the Commission the revised meeting calendar at Exhibit A will be provided to the City Council for adoption. COMMISSION ACTION REQUESTED Motion to approve the attached Draft 2020 Orono Official Meetings Calendar for consideration of adoption by the City Council. Exhibits A. Draft 2020 Orono Official Meetings Calendar B. 2020 Orono Official Meetings Calendar Item No.: 3 Date: March 2nd, 2020 Item Description: Park Commission Schedule Revision Presenter: Adam T. Edwards City Engineer / Director of Public Works Agenda Section: Chairman’s Report Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 2 3 4 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 29 30 31 Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 2 3 4 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 26 27 28 29 30 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31 Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 2 3 4 1 1 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 27 28 29 30 30 31 Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 *7 8 9 10 11 12 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31 * H E July August September January February March April May June 2020 Official Calendar approved on 11-12-19 by Motion of the City Council. Council Meeting w/ Truth in Taxation at 6:00 p.m. Park Commission Meeting at 6:00 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting at 6:00 p.m. Planning Commission Work Sessions Scheduled and Posted as Needed 5:30 p.m. October November December Park Commission Work Session at 6:00 p.m. Official Holidays Election Dates Park Commission Work Session at 1:00 p.m. Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m.Council Work Session at 5 p.m. CITY OF ORONO 2020 OFFICIAL MEETINGS CALENDAR Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 2 3 4 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 29 30 31 Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 2 3 4 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 26 27 28 29 30 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31 Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 2 3 4 1 1 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 27 28 29 30 30 31 Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 *7 8 9 10 11 12 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31 * H E April May June July August September October November December January February March Official Holidays Election Dates Park Commission Work Session at 1 p.m. Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m.Council Work Session at 5 p.m. 2020 Official Calendar approved on 11-12-19 by Motion of the City Council. Council Meeting w/ Truth in Taxation at 6:00 p.m. Park Commission Meeting at 6:00 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting at 6:00 p.m. Planning Commission Work Sessions Scheduled and Posted as Needed 5:30 p.m. CITY OF ORONO 2020 OFFICIAL MEETINGS CALENDAR AGENDA City of Orono Park Commission Meeting for Monday, March 2nd, 2020, 6:00 PM Orono Council Chambers, 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356 952-249-4600 / www.ci.orono.mn.us Audience Members: Please sign in for the public record if you wish to address the Park Commission. The sign in sheet is in the lobby. The Park Commission is an advisory body to the City Council. If action is taken on any items on this agenda, it will be scheduled for an upcoming City Council meeting. AGENDA CALL TO ORDER. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. 1. January 6th, 2020 Park Commission Meeting Minutes. PUBLIC COMMENT. CHAIRMAN’s REPORT. 2. Proposal for Boathouse in Summit Beach Park-Long Lake Rowing Crew 3. Parks Commission Schedule - Revised STAFF REPORTS 4. Public Works Parks Update. SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS. 5. Lurton Park Dog Days Event 6. Big Island Event / Big Island Legacy Fund Update COMMISSIONERS REPORT. 7. Commissioner’s Updates ADJOURNMENT. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, January 6, 2020 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 1 of 11 ROLL CALL The Orono Park Commission met on the above-mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Brian Roath, Commissioners Jan Berg, Rick Carter, Casey Conrad Hudson, Bryce Johnson, Jennifer Klaahsen, and Julie Ruegemer. Representing Staff was Adam Edwards. Mayor Dennis Walsh was present. Chair Roath called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. NOVEMBER 4, 2019 PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Carter moved, Johnson seconded, to approve the minutes of the November 4, 2019 Park Commission meeting as submitted. VOTE: Ayes 7, Nays 0. PUBLIC COMMENT None STAFF REPORTS CHAIRMAN’S REPORT – Brian Roath 2. 2019 PARK COMMISSION GOALS AND SUB-COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS - REVIEW 3. 2020 PARK COMMISSION GOALS AND SUB-COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS - DEVELOP Chair stated Items 2 and 3 were to set up 2020 goals. The Commission went through the same process last year, setting up sub-committees and assigned focuses for the year and assigned people to the sub- committees. Commissioners are also assigned parks. Chair said he and Edwards discussed using the February meeting for long-range strategic planning for the Park Commission both from a focus and budget perspective. There is a lot going on in 2020 as far as execution on plans that have been made over the past 1-2 years such as Bederwood and Big Island. There is identified work to do in the next year or two, but 2020 will be focused on redefining the Commission's direction and identifying specific focuses for the next several years. He suggested updating the document to get a good starting point and revisiting it at the February workshop. Johnson noted Meyers’ and his position would be filled so there will be two new Commissioners. Commission members discussed that terms expire March 1. The City Council looks at applicants in February and makes appointments the last meeting in February/first meeting in March. Although Johnson's term goes through the February meeting, he will be out of the country. Jennifer Klaahsen and Beth Davis are alternates. Davis has had school conflicts the last six months and should be contacted to see if she is interested in continuing. So far one person has asked for an application. Ruegemer will put MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, January 6, 2020 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 2 of 11 something together so the Clerk can put it out to the different venues. If the Planning Commission has openings, they can adapt the verbiage for their purposes. Edwards stated Item 2 is the previous year's version of the Park Commission’s Goals and Sub-Committee Assignments. He highlighted in green the items the Commission wanted to do and he thought were done. The non-highlighted items were things he thought were not done. Item 3, the 2020 version, is in the same format. He did not add any focus areas. He removed items he thought were done. There may be items the Commission no longer feels are focus areas; the Commission may also want to add some focus areas. He included the City’s mission statement, vision statement, and goals, and also Code information which is applicable to the Park Commission. Chair said he appreciates the opportunity to be the Chair of the Park Commission. He shared his philosophy regarding how the Park Commission should operate: He sees the Commissioners as less of a company and more of a consulting partnership/consulting firm, where there are a lot of partners that have their areas of interests, areas of expertise, and they are all pursuing those. The office managing partner, similar to his role, is the person who tries to string a common thread between everyone and keep them organized and helps support all the partners in their areas of interest. He is here to support the Commissioners and their interests as well as interests that come from the City Council. The Commissioners reviewed the 2019 Park Commission Focus Area/Committees and Goals document as far as progress. Construction is almost done at Bederwood. It will be seeded in the spring, the wear course of the asphalt poured in the parking lot, and then some touch-ups. The grand opening ceremony will probably be in the September time frame if the event includes kids playing on the field. It was proposed to remove the “grand-opening” item since it could be lumped in with Community Events. Chair said East Long Lake Trail and Summit Beach is probably the Commission's biggest focus for the year with respect to the Long Lake Rowing Club. He suggested creating a sub-committee regardless of whether the rowing club plan moves forward to figure out what should be done with the project. Edwards stated it is at 60% design on the trail portion of the project. Nothing else has been done with the park portion, so there still should be a committee to move forward with the project. He will send out an invite fairly soon for members to look at the 80% plan for the trail. Chair asked if it made sense to split it into two groups. Ruegemer did not think the Commission should add any group for the rowing club because it is a proposal that has not been voted on. Chair clarified that the two groups would be Summit Beach and the Trail. Several Commissioners indicated they should be kept together because it is one project. Ruegemer said she would like to remain on the project. Walsh said the project would last a while and when it reaches 80% and even during construction the committee could walk it and make sure it is getting done similar to the Commission’s vision. He felt it made the most sense to be one project. Berg said she would also like to remain on the committee since Summit Beach is her beach. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, January 6, 2020 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 3 of 11 Johnson asked if the shoreline restoration was part of the project. Edwards and Walsh indicated it was. Chair said he was also willing to be on the sub-committee. Chair asked Carter, Klaahsen, and Hudson if they had any passion for the area. Klaahsen indicated her passion would be the playground because she is interested in the family/kid- oriented items in the park. She is interested in a more natural-style playground. Ruegemer and Berg said that is the goal and they would bring that forward so everyone can agree on it. Chair said Winter Activities was discussed last year as far as what the City's direction should be with respect to ice rinks and broader winter activities. He stated, according to Edwards, all the tasks were completed. He asked if there were any questions that needed to be answered. Berg asked whether the sledding was considered a winter activity. Edwards said that's underway and happening. The Commissioners and Edwards discussed sledding at the golf course and the idea of having more lighting at the golf course; for example, at the tree-lighting event. Edwards said they could look at adding more lighting. He did not think there needed to be a Winter Activities Committee to do that; it could be under the Golf Course Committee. Chair asked Walsh if the City Council had what they needed as far as direction and position from the Park Commission in terms of winter activities such as ice-skating and sledding. Edward said the big question last year was the extent to which the City would get in the ice rink business. Walsh stated it was decided to focus on what the City has and suggested keeping things under the Golf Course umbrella. Chair said the Winter Activities category will be removed. Chair proposed to keep Lurton Park an area of focus because there's a lot of activity that seems to pop up and there should be a couple of people to help take care of things. Edwards commented that next to the golf course it is the City's most used park. Walsh stated there will always be new ideas and projects and parks are always forming and re-forming, and it is always good to have somebody overlooking them from the Commission. The parks were in disrepair because the City cancelled the Park Commission years ago, but they need to be maintained. Ruegemer offered to be on the Lurton Park Committee and is happy to keep doing the dog park event. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, January 6, 2020 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 4 of 11 Johnson noted it is not only a park, it is Orono's face to other communities in many ways. He added Meyers did an outstanding job. He is hopeful that regular users will self-organize a little bit. Walsh said it is not just a dog park anymore. It has also become a community-gathering place. Johnson shared a story about some people who said they have multiple social groups at the park depending on the time of day -- people taking their children to school and then taking the dog for a walk; the retirees; the after-work people -- and they were actually meeting socially. Walsh said there may need to be more tables if more people are meeting there and it becomes a true community-gathering place. Chair asked Johnson if he had any vision for Lurton Park. Johnson stated he did not but regretted that he did not get the set of maintenance standards because he thought that would have eliminated a lot of the strife over the last year. He said the park was evolving with new trails, projects, tables, trees, and signs. Now it will be about maintaining things and looking where to mow. He understands from Meyers there was an endless stream of suggestions coming from the regulars. He feels it was very successful. Klaahsen said she will continue to manage the Facebook page and also occasionally puts out notices of when Park Commission meetings are. The Commissioners, Edwards, and Walsh discussed Community Events which include tree-lighting, the Bederwood grand opening, the dog park (Lurton), and an Oktoberfest/Fall Festival/Brewfest at the golf course. They also discussed a grand opening on Big Island in 2020 or 2021 and suggested different ideas of what that may involve. Chair and the Commissioners discussed Berg being the coordinator of the calendar of events but each event having a point person which Berg agreed to do. Roath suggested, as an example, Berg could be the overall person, but he could be the point person for Big Island. Commission members discussed holding the Big Island and dog park events in June. They also talked about using “Brewfest” instead of “Oktoberfest” so the date could be changed and the appeal each name may hold to the citizens of Orono. Since the event is held at the golf course, depending on when it is held, they need to be considerate of season passholders and regular users if the event includes golf. They decided they would first need to figure out what the event is and the purpose of it. Councilmember Seals will be contacted to make plans. Hudson offered to work on the Oktoberfest/Brewfest event. Chair noted there's a working calendar for the events, Berg will be overseeing the events, and there are individuals/people for each event. Berg said a date for the holiday tree-lighting was picked but Santa has a standing contract for the second Saturday of December, which is what it was changed to, so it may have to go back to the first Saturday. Walsh said he did not feel it would matter whether it was the first Saturday or the second Saturday. It's more about having it and getting the right people there. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, January 6, 2020 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 5 of 11 Berg said she heard a lot of feedback that people really liked Santa. Ruegemer stated it would be nice to have a consistent date even if Santa becomes unavailable. Walsh said it is important to have consistency because Santa is the attraction. Berg said she has him contracted for five years and the people that have him on the second Saturday have had him for 12 years and are going to have him for 12 more years. She wants to go back to the first. Ruegemer stated there should be a consistent date for the dog park event, too. Berg commented that the City calendar will show that. Walsh said the City calendar is already out but it could be added to the City calendar on the website. Chair noted a couple years ago there were no community events and a lot has been added. Carter asked if anyone wanted to lead the Bederwood opening. Roath offered to lead the Bederwood opening. The Commissioners and Walsh discussed the woman who works in the clubhouse at the golf course and that she does a good job. It was noted the golf course also hosts sledding birthday parties. Walsh stated it's going to be an event center, a place to go to. Chair noted a lot of people have said they've been going there for years but that they've never been in the clubhouse and it's really cool. Ruegemer asked what the amount was for renting it for a birthday party. Edwards said there’s not a cost and it's not a rental but just people letting the clubhouse manager know there are however many kids coming. The clubhouse manager does not do anything special when people go there for parties. In the future there could be times after communal hours that events could be planned. Chair brought up the item Trails. Carter said he generally agrees with Edwards' assessment with regard to establishing a five-year plan for trails. The correlation between the priorities and the capital expense budget he felt the Commission could be more proactive on rather than dealing with stuff as it is rolling in. The committee needs to get together to look at the capital budget, the comprehensive plan, and make sure that things are in the right order proactively and then continue to react when something new comes up. Community outreach also needs to be talked about and how the public will be engaged. Hudson asked if he was referring to neighbors. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, January 6, 2020 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 6 of 11 Carter confirmed he was referring to community and neighbors, close-by neighbors, the people mostly affected. Carter said if Davis were to become a Commissioner it would be a no-brainer, but if she's staying as an alternate, maybe somebody else would take her place with Ruegemer and himself. Ruegemer said she will continue on Trails and pointed out North Arm Trail was missing on the list. Commission members and Edwards discussed it may be called something else, including Lakeview Legacy, but agreed to call it the North Arm Trail. Chair asked about the level of activity around the trails both now and in the coming years. Carter said he felt pretty good about it. They met and have a giant map of the potential trails that were being talked about and discussed whether there were some things that were a potential that weren't being considered. A list was created of eight priorities, and there is a set of six notes that talk about things that they would do or not do. He thought they did a comprehensive job, although they didn't necessarily say exactly how it related to the next five years' capital budget and what’s going to happen next year. Chair asked if the City Council had what they need as far as Trails go. He personally thinks it is a big trail development and should be an area of focus for communities. Walsh said Edwards is trying to get all the trails connected, there are a lot of things in the works, and everyone is on the same page. Between himself, Councilmember Seals, and Edwards, they are on track. Chair said he had asked Carter how he felt about the level of activity around the trails, whether more or less needs to be done. He wanted to make sure the City Council felt the Park Commission was going at the appropriate speed. Walsh thanked Johnson for helping restart the Park Commission and his hard work and dedication. He expressed appreciation for the work Johnson has done for the Park Commission as well as for the City. Johnson said it's a great group to work with and appreciates the continuous support by everyone. Chair brought up the item Big Island. Carter said because Edwards obtained a $200,000 grant from the DNR and the City was willing to pledge $80,000 of that and Johnson wrote five out of the seven panels, his job has been to keep track of things. The 80% drawings have been reviewed. The challenge is to get the last 60,000. He thinks there is about 60 committed through Big Island Legacy and he feels confident they will get the other 60, which means they will be able to spend $350K-360K on hard costs of the project: the trails, the panels, a bathroom and potentially an overlook. They will have to work around eagle-nesting season because the eagles nested in the middle of the project. Johnson said Big Island has been a fantastic learning opportunity because it has such a rich history. He stated he learned a lot from the draft of a book written by Paul Marbellous and wondered if there was a way it could be introduced and combined with the activities at Big Island. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, January 6, 2020 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 7 of 11 Carter stated they have had volunteers willing to review the City's simple 300-word panel but it would be nice to make Marbellous’ book a part of what is going on at Big Island. He said the “Complete Interpretive sign design and install” as “to-dos” is correct. He added he would like to plan an event. Carter indicated he would like to talk someday about Pleasant View Park. He said there was a discussion about potentially providing access through the Right-of-Way to one of the homeowners that is set back and the Council decided to find an alternative way of resolving that. He noted he is the listed person for Pleasant View Park. He mentioned he went skiing in the area lately. Hudson asked if there were snowmobiles in the area. Carter said there have been no snowmobiles in the area. He stated Staff put a snow fence on the major areas. He is worried about the back side, but no one has gone there yet. There's less snowmobile traffic. As far as he can tell, it does not look like there has been a motorized vehicle on the island. Chair asked what will happen at Big Island beyond the next year or two. Carter said there may be a couple minor things. The trail essentially brings you from the dock up to the bottom of the ramp that goes to the building, which is where the bathroom will be placed, and then it goes up the hill to the high point, where the plan is to do a shelter and potentially another bathroom. Both of those might be outside the budget and are being priced as alternates. There is a trail that goes up towards the top of the hill, then goes around the hill and back down to the beach. If the Commission wanted to do something like a rock with a plaque as a Veterans Memorial at the hilltop, getting to it would take another small trail project. There is also an opportunity for an overlook on the north side. Johnson asked if there were any thoughts of putting something by the ruins. Carter said almost all the foundations from the amusement park and most of the foundations from the camp are still there and they are documented. He stated it would make an amazing story by putting interpretive panels around or having something on your phone and you could carry it around. He is not envisioning more buildings or substantially more trails. Chair brought up the item Golf Course. He would like to work with Edwards, Jason (the Golf Superintendent), and the City Council to get a couple-year view of what they would like to see the golf course do and some of the operations and usage they would like to achieve and set some goals for the golf course as a business. Edwards said they have to consider what they want it to be. Currently, it's a small, municipal nine-hole golf course suited for residents. They have to analyze what other things they want to do with it as a park outside of the golf course. There was a mini master plan done a couple of years ago and a business plan which can be looked at again. The golf course has not broken even financially since the 1990s. He does not have a lot of confidence that it will ever be a money-maker for the City like it was in the past. But it is a park; it is there for the people. Chair asked if there were other areas of focus Commissioners wanted to consider for 2020. Carter asked if there was a discussion about doing something in the Winter Activities; for example, cross- country trails at the golf course. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, January 6, 2020 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 8 of 11 Edwards said they have and it is still available. The City has been working with the school cross-country ski team. Last year they were interested in grooming it and using it; this year they are not. The school offered to let the City use their grooming machine but the City would need to find their own snowmobile. They debated whether they should find a snowmobile to pull the grooming machine. They have not had the demand to justify buying another piece of equipment. Ruegemer suggested it could be talked about again next year. Chair stated in February they would talk more about the items. He encouraged everyone to throw out ideas for what to do with the parks long-term. He noted other cities in the area are doing stuff with bike trails, off-road bike trails. Klaahsen added there are also Ninja obstacle playgrounds and natural playgrounds. Edwards stated once the Hackberry property reverts to the City, it's an ideal time to look at the park holistically. There are drainage issues and little league fields that are too close to roads, and it will be a great opportunity to wipe the slate clean and redesign it. Commission members and Edwards talked about the post office in Crystal Bay and the fact that Orono does not have its own zip code. The Crystal Bay Post Office serves the area and people love having the post office in that location. At one point there was discussion about turning the area into a trailhead/park activities center but there was pushback from the local people. The Commissioners discussed a plan previously presented by Rick Meyers regarding the Crystal Bay area, which could use some updating. They will contact Meyers and it can be discussed in February. Chair noted Seven Nations Park was brought up last year because there are a lot of invasives there and it needs some cleaning up and TLC. Edwards stated this winter they will solicit for contract mowing for the parks, which gets done once every three years, and Seven Nations will be added into the solicitation. In the past the City mowed it once or twice a year with a rough mower. The Commissioners decided to hold off on Park Assignments until the Commission gets new members. Walsh suggested adding the Paul Pesak Park and said someone should oversee the community gardens. Chair noted there was discussion and a motion at the last meeting to name it the Paul Pesak Park and there was a little bit of pushback from his widow. He suggested bringing a motion the next formal meeting in March for an alternative name. Commissioners discussed that Minnesota law states certain things cannot be named after living people such as roads and state parks. Carter stated the idea of having a Lead Commissioner for trails is interesting. He had not thought about it before but there are a lot more trails. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, January 6, 2020 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 9 of 11 Edwards said he added trails because they are like parks. What he looks for from Commissioners in charge of parks is feedback and another set of eyes to say the maintenance crew needs to be sent out here, for example, because somebody dumped a bunch of trash. Carter asked if there was a comprehensive list of every trail somewhere. Edwards stated he tried to list City-maintained trails, which are multimodal trails, as opposed park trails. Ruegemer stated she felt it made sense for Carter to be a lead on all of them. Chair brought up Functional/Activity Assignments and asked if anyone was needed for park signage. Edwards said not necessarily, that it just needed to be set up and standards developed. Commission members discussed park adoptions are with the outreach community engagement. Berg stated she wanted to talk about the holiday tree-lighting at the February meeting. The Commissioners and Edwards discussed the meeting calendar and changing the schedule so workshop meetings would be doubled and there would be fewer formal meetings since they don’t come up with a lot of proposals and they could use more informal working time. They decided to keep the afternoon work sessions where they are and turn one of the evening sessions into a work session. Chair and Edwards will send out a proposal to the group. The new schedule needs to be approved by the City Council. Chair said he was contacted by the Long Lake Rowing Club President and is meeting with him. The rowing club also has a meeting Wednesday night with the neighborhood. He asked if Park Commission members had anything they wanted him to ask the President. Commission members discussed the neighborhood meeting that is set up and encouraged Chair to go. Carter said if the community in general came back to the Park Commission and said it is a win-win for everyone, he can see the Commission taking the request seriously, but he cannot imagine that happening. Ruegemer agreed and said it would basically destroy that area as a swimming beach. If the rowing club approached Excelsior Beach or Wayzata Beach, they would say absolutely not. We cannot have these two things together; it is not safe. The Park Commission needs to be careful to not get distracted by the large, shiny building shown to them. Berg stated the Commission also needs to consider the impact traffic from the rowing club would have on people using the beach and future concerns that may come up if the boathouse was allowed. She said this is not a commercial area, it is in a neighborhood. She went to a couple of the rowing club meetings and is also concerned about their hours of operations and future plans for their facility. Chair said he would be open-minded and can't speak on behalf of Orono or the Commission. He is focusing on the process, as far as what does a successful process look like to come to a decision. Johnson asked Berg about the other meetings she attended. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, January 6, 2020 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 10 of 11 Berg said she was at an informal meeting with Edwards and Meyers when they first approached the City. Edwards clarified it was the Summit Beach sub-committee at the time. Berg agreed and said the rowing club has always been looking at a large building and saying things that make it look like it will benefit the park. Ruegemer asked if a bathroom is needed; there is an outhouse that is more environmentally friendly. The lake is already poorly rated. There would be huge docks because of the amount of boats they have. Berg said she is open-minded but her concerns as someone responsible for that beach is to look at the highest and best use and ask if the rowing club is the best use of the beach. Ruegemer said the rowing club currently has a house that works very well but they want a storage facility. Now they are placed at Birches. They have a huge parking lot and there is no swimming beach in the vicinity so it is safe, no one is put in danger and no huge parking lots needs to be built. She understands they want to keep their boats safe but asked if it is the Park Commission's job to put swimmers at risk and have a huge environmental impact on the park. Chair said everyone will have an opportunity to voice concerns both as Commissioners and Orono residents. He invited members to attend the Wednesday meeting or attend with him and the President. Hudson suggested if there is any more interaction with the rowing club, it should be a working session and not a formal meeting. Chair asked if the Commissioners were okay with the rowing club President reaching out to members individually. Several Commissioners said that was fine. Carter asked if they were coming to the work session. Edwards said they are not scheduled. Berg said the Commission wanted the rowing club to meet with neighbors and then come back. Edwards added they need to come back at a formal meeting, which is March, because the Park Commission has to come up with a recommendation to the City Council. Man suggested they should come to a working session first. Ruegemer indicated if the rowing club wants to pursue this, they need to reach out to the Commission. Chair asked if he should mention anything at his meeting since there is one working session before March. Hudson commented that it has to be discussed before the Commission makes a decision. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, January 6, 2020 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 11 of 11 Carter agreed and said he would not be comfortable having the rowing club walk into a formal meeting and putting something on the table for the Commissioners to make a decision on. Chair said if the meeting schedule is being changed, he needs to make the President aware of that if he is relying on coming back in June. Edwards said there would still be a working session in February and March is a formal session even with the new proposed schedule. Johnson said he would like the rowing club to answer some of the community questions rather than just pitching the plan again. Berg said she would like to hear how the meeting went with the neighbors. Hudson added he would like them to talk about how many kids are using it in the school systems, not just how many members they have. Several Commissioners indicated that information was previously given. Commission members had no further input. Berg stated Johnson has been a great asset to the Commission and she will personally miss him and his insights. Several Commission members agreed with Berg. Johnson stated the Commission has evolved and there continue to be new members and he feels everyone is ready to keep the momentum going. SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS 4. COMMISSIONER’S REPORT None ADJOURNMENT Berg moved, Johnson seconded, to adjourn the Orono Park Commission meeting at 7:31 p.m. VOTE: Ayes7, Nays 0. ATTEST: _________________________________________ Brian Roath, Chair PARK COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM Prepared By: Reviewed By: Approved By: 1. Purpose. The purpose of this action is to get a Park Commission recommendation on whether the city should partner with the Long Lake Rowing Crew allowing the club to construct and maintain a boat house and docks at Summit Beach Park. 2. Background. Long Lake Rowing Crew (LLRC) was founded in 2014 for the sport of rowing on Long Lake. LLRC has been operating out of the Birches site and the Long Lake Fire Department. However the Birches site is not ideally suited to launching boats and the club is looking for a place to construct a boathouse. The Club approached the City in 2018 about the possibility of partnering with the city for use of the Summit Beach Park location. LLRC is a non-profit, 501C# organization. The mission of Long Lake Rowing Crew is "to provide a safe, inspiring and educational opportunity for people of all ages to learn, enjoy and excel in the sport of rowing. LLRC is a volunteer-driven, non-profit club committed to knowledgeable instruction, personal and competitive achievement, and the well-being of its members and the greater Long Lake community." The Parks commission considered this proposal at the November 4th, 2019 Park Commission meeting at which time the Commission tabled the action (Minutes at Exhibit B). 3. Proposal. The LLRC will provide a presentation to the Commission on their proposal. In general improvements at the park would include a boathouse, public restrooms and a dock system. 4. Considerations. The Commission should consider the following. a. Does the proposal enhance or detract from the use of the park? b. What benefits would the proposal provide to the park; to the community? c. What costs if any would be incurred by the city? d. What requirements (accessibility to public, park improvements, public programs) does the commission recommend the City council consider imposing on the applicants plan? e. What restrictions (size of structures, location of structures, hours of use, parking) does the commission recommend the City council consider imposing on the applicants plan? 5. Public Comment. At the November 4th, 2019 commission meeting the Commission received public comment. The minutes of that meeting including the public comment are at exhibit B. Written public comments received after the meeting are at exhibit C. 6. Way Forward. a. Park Commission review and recommendation b. City Council review. c. Planning and Zoning Staff Review d. Planning commission Review – If required (i.e. Variances needed) e. Agreement/ Lease developed f. City Council Approval g. Building permit process h. Construction Item No.: 2 Date: March 2nd, 2020 Item Description: Proposal for Boathouse in Summit Beach Park Presenter: Long Lake Rowing Crew Agenda Section: Chairman’s Report COMMISSION ACTION REQUESTED Motion to providing a recommendation to the City Council including any requirements or restrictions on the proposed plan for a boat house at Summit Beach Park. Exhibits A. Proposal from LLRC (To be provided at the meeting) B. Public Comments: Minutes from November 4th, 2019. C. Written Public Comments received by the City. References http://longlakerowing.org/ MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, November 4, 2019 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 1 of 9 5. PROPOSAL FOR BOATHOUSE IN SUMMIT PARK – LONG LAKE ROWING CLUB Lisa McCarty, board member of the Long Lake Rowing Crew, addressed the Orono Park Commission. The Long Lake Rowing Club is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization. The Club services approximately 90 rowers from Orono and the surrounding community, with approximately 50 percent of the rowers attending Orono Schools. The Club has been able to provide them with five to six years of rowing experience and training, which allows them to attain scholarships at high-level universities ranging from Brown, Dartmouth, Syracuse, Washington, Notre Dame, and other universities all over the country. Rowing has become a very attractive sport and the Long Lake Rowing Club produces some of the best rowers in the state. Two of the Club’s high school rowers placed first at the Head of the Charles race, which is one of the most highly profiled races in the country. The program, with its dedicated coaching staff, have been able to produce high-level rowers. The Club also prides itself in offering rowing to people of all ages, including a master’s program that services rowers up to 80 years old. The Club has worked on integrating the community into this sport and developing a life-long passion for the sport. The rowing club utilizes Long Lake and currently is storing its equipment outdoors at Birches Restaurant because they do not have a building. The rowing club currently has over $200,000 worth of equipment sitting in the woods, which can be a security risk, and they are in desperate need of a home. McCarty indicated the Long Lake Rowing Club is willing to partner with the City for use of the Summit Beach Park location. Craig Martin, Peterson, Keller Architecture, stated the Long Lake Rowing Club reached out to their company several months ago about designing a boathouse and training facility. The Club would like to enter a private/public partnership between the Long Lake Rowing Crew and the City of Orono to create a neighborhood rowing facility and also to update Summit Beach Park. At this time they are proposing a park pavilion with toilet facilities, outdoor patio space with picnic tables, a small playground, a two-story rowing crew boathouse consisting of approximately 9,000 square feet, and dock amenities. The project intention and goals include promoting the education of rowing within the Orono community, establishing a home for the Long Lake Rowing club, building on the improvements Orono has been making to the Summit Beach area, providing a presence in the neighborhood to promote safety and security for patrons of the beach and neighbors, and creating a timeless beach destination that generations of neighbors can continue to use. Summit Beach Park is located on the southeast corner of Long Lake. There is existing parking for approximately 24 cars, temporary toilet facilities, a large lawn area, and a wooded hill area. Currently there are a few picnic tables on site. In conjunction with TBL Studios, a concept master plan has been created for what the park could look like. Being proposed is a paved parking lot for 24 cars and additional space for up to 36 spaces. The goal is to keep it fairly small at this point. The boathouse is proposed to be built into the hillside. The grassy knoll area was considered but it was felt it would be a little too damp and not safe for rowers moving their equipment in and out. Instead they are proposing to nestle it into the hillside to decrease its visibility for the neighbors. Also looking at a small pavilion, which would contain toilet facilities for park goers, and possibly a few picnic tables. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, November 4, 2019 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 2 of 9 Travis VanLear, landscape architect, noted he met with most of the Park Commissioners approximately one month ago at their work session. He has attempted to take that feedback and apply it to the concept plan that was presented at that time. As Craig elaborated, the goal with the overall project is to have a minimal impact on the design of the park and to use the existing attributes as much as possible. They would like to minimize tree removal and utilize the existing parking as much as possible to reduce cost and build off some of the main attributes that the park has that are not being utilized at this time, such as the knoll which is currently covered with buckthorn. Following a meeting on site, it was felt the best location for the boathouse would be nestled into the hillside. The concept plan keeps the natural play area of the park intact; hides the boathouse but yet still provides access to the lake in a more isolated spot; and allows the rest of the park to be used. VanLear noted there has also been talk about potential trail opportunities with the City. VanLear indicated they tried to show potential trail connections and how those would be situated with the design of the boathouse. In addition, there was talk of a small playground facility being placed close to the play area. The proposed concept plan is the rowing club’s first attempt at encompassing a lot of those comments and they are willing to make adjustments as they go through the process. One of the key needs of the Club will be dock access to launch multiple boats ranging from a single shell up to an 8-person shell. Because of the size of those shells, the docks will need some length. Being considered is the potential to maybe utilize the beach and swim area and perhaps protect it better from ongoing boat activity. The dock configuration shown is just one example, but there will need to be a series of docks for access needs. A secondary dock for a safety boat that goes out with the rowers is also required. Meyers asked what will happen to the north once the road is reclaimed. Meyers noted that lineal area will run approximately three-fourths of a mile down the east shore of the lake. VanLear stated when they go forward with their plans, they can look at that closer. The overall project will not be built at one time but is intended to be a master plan that can be looked to going into the future. The intent is to keep it a more natural park that requires low maintenance, with one of the goals being to maintain the large trees. For the park itself, some of the ideas include maintaining some aspect of the lawn. The floodplain area would also be maintained. Being considered are just kind of passive play uses and seasonal activities. There is also the potential for a hockey/skating rink in the flat area or out on the lake as well as walking paths and a mountain bike path. Some of the big components are the standard recreational play area as well as a natural area, which would allow the imagination of kids to work. Martin displayed floor plans of the proposed boathouse. The first floor would be storage for the boats and the second floor would contain an office area and conference rooms as well as a gathering space. The two sketches on the right demonstrate how the building is nestled into the hillside. As someone goes up the hill towards the street, the building becomes what appears to be a one-story boathouse from the road. The top image shows the deck overlooking the lake on the boathouse. Martin stated they are looking at something that is timeless in terms of architecture and will be long- lasting. As it relates to the building mass, the top picture depicts the building from the lake and the MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, November 4, 2019 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 3 of 9 bottom image is a sketch depicting the two-story building nestled into the hillside. The small structure on the right is the pavilion. Martin displayed some more pictures of the building and the various areas of the park. Martin thanked the Park Commission for their consideration of their concept plan. Johnson asked how many trees would need to be removed. Martin indicated it would likely be six to seven. VanLear stated they have not gotten into the technical details of the grading, but that they did receive the tree file from Bolton & Menk. The next step is to go out and assess the quality of the trees and have that information before they go to the City Council. Ruegemer commented she has a number of questions but that she would like to hear from the neighbors first. Carter stated what he remembers from the work session is the Park Commission would like to see limited parking and that he would encourage them to look at that. Carter asked whether they have spoken with any of the neighbors. Martin indicated they have not at this point. VanLear stated they typically present the idea to the Park Commission first and then prior to going before the Planning Commission they would have an open house. Lisa McCarty stated she has reached out to a number of friends and their advice was to see if this was feasible first and that she would be happy to go to anyone’s house and meet one-on-one with them. The Club wanted to go before the Park Commission first to see if there is a green light to go forward and then reach out to the neighbors. Meyers stated as a Commission, they had some reservations about the plan at the work session, but that they cannot tell the applicants no or yes until the City holds public hearings. Meyers noted this is not a done deal. Norm Hammond asked about the plans for the sewer and water. VanLear stated they have not gotten to that level of detail at this point and that their next step will be more of a technical level. What is known is that some of the setbacks will be an issue. Meyers requested people come up to the microphone to speak. The public hearing was opened at 7:04 p.m. Rachel Feldman, 1010 Old Long Lake Road, stated they are the house right next to the proposed building and that they will be looking at the building from their back yard. Feldman stated in her view there are more than six trees that would need to be removed for a building of this size and that she would like to MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, November 4, 2019 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 4 of 9 encourage the Park Commission to act in two ways. The first is to reject altogether the proposal for any type of building at Summit Park and the second is to reject any type of proposal to expand the rowing club at this site. Feldman noted she also has friends on Long Lake who are opposed to the proposal. If the proposal goes through, it would change the nature of Summit Beach for the benefit of the rowing club but would be a detriment to the residents. The neighbors appreciate the smaller scale presence of the rowers on the lake and Long Lake is a recreational lake for fishing, paddle boarding, pontooning, skiing, swimming and other activities. Feldman stated as a registered nurse, from a public health and safety perspective, expanding the club would be a very poor decision and poses a danger to people enjoying the beach and swimming area. Since she has lived in her house, there has been a swimming section for people of all ages and neighboring dogs enjoying the lake. The people visiting the park ranges from tiny children to groups of elderly people out swimming. Boats will come down to this end of the lake to anchor down and relax and swim and jump off the rope swing, which is a fun feature of the lake. Lots of high schoolers enjoy using it and other people picnic there and lay out in hammocks. Summit Beach is a relaxing and peaceful beach that the neighbors hope the City continues nurturing. Placing a boathouse at the beach would be dangerous to swimmers, boaters, floaters, and families. Feldman noted the rowers were asked to change their path to avoid the swimming area. Besides being a concerned neighbor, she is also an unofficial nature lover. Going forward with any type of expansion plan would not only affect recreation at the beach but would also destroy a nature preserve and large grassy area. The world needs more open, quiet and natural areas. There are wild turkeys that flock there, eagles, deer, and other animals that enjoy this area. Feldman noted since they have lived in their home, the rowing club received approval for longer hours and that she would like to see the rowing hours restricted back to what they were previously. This past summer the rowing club was outside of their expanded hours and it is difficult to see the boats against the setting sun. Currently the rowing club has a home outside Birches, which is an ideal location. Birches places a restriction on the number of rowers and it is a safe place for the rowers to go in and out of the lake since there is no beach there where there will be swimmers and other people enjoying the water. Feldman encouraged the Park Commission to reject any proposal to place a boathouse on Summit Beach and any expansion of the rowing club. Norm Hammond, 450 East long Lake Road, noted he has resided at his house for more than 50 years, and that he would request Summit Beach be maintained as a natural setting as a neighborhood beach, which is more or less the way the beach and park has been maintained over the past 50 years. Hammond indicated he does agree with the comments of the previous speaker regarding construction of permanent structures on the Summit Beach property. People come to Summit Beach to enjoy the natural environment, and that he and his family would like to strongly encourage the City to not allow any expansion of the park. Betsy Johnson, 460 Long Lake Road East, stated the structure they are proposing to construct would be right in front of her house. The building is proposed to be 9,000 square feet and her house is 7,000 square feet. With this structure in front of her home, she might be able to see the lake if she is upstairs looking MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, November 4, 2019 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 5 of 9 out the window. The view out the front of her house will be the back of the building. When they purchased their house in 2010, they felt it was a charming area and that they are disappointed that this is even being considered. Johnson noted they have not had a realtor out to give them a price for what their property would be worth once the view is obstructed. Johnson commented it appears the building will be higher than what is being portrayed and in her view the park is wonderful the way it is, and she would like to keep it that way. Jane Davidson, 1020 Old Long Lake Road, stated they have one of the best views of the park, and when she walks out to her dock, she is almost at the park. The park is crowded. While it does not have a playground, people swim, paddleboard, and fish. It is a very quiet park. At 10:00 at night the police come by and clear people out. Summit Beach is very different from the Nelson Lakeside Park that has a large playground. Summit Beach is just very unique because it is so natural. Davidson stated she likes the idea of having a natural playground, which is likely the new wave of parks. She can also see the benefit of a small pavilion and some improved picnic tables, which would enhance the park, but that she is very concerned about this extremely large building and private use of a public park at the exclusion of others. Davidson commented she is also concerned about the environmental impact of this proposal. Currently Long Lake is under siege environmentally because it has far too many pollutants, with one of the main pollutants being runoff. It does not appear that the rowing club has considered the environmental impact of their proposal and that the City needs to consider the hardcover with the expanded parking lot and how that will impact the lake. The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District said there could not be walking paths in some of those areas due to the environmental impact. The Long Lake Rowing Club does not represent the entire community but is one component on a small lake. The lake has ski boats, pontoon boats, fishing boats, paddleboards, and the Long Lake Rowing Club. Davidson stated she cannot imagine a club constructing a 9,000 square foot building and not try to expand. It is currently difficult to access the lake when the club is there, and when she was out on the lake one time, an oar just narrowly missed hitting her in the head. Davidson stated in her view the plan is not appropriate. In addition, the proposed building does not look like a multi-functional building. It has storage and a workroom for fixing boats, an office space for the Long Lake Rowing Club, and a conference room. Davidson questioned how this could be a public building. Meyers asked if it would be appropriate for the rowing club to respond to some of the questions raised. Edwards noted the Park Commission is an advisory board and that they can ask for additional comment from the applicant. Meyers noted the City Council is the final arbiter of this and that the Park Commission attempts to listen to all sides. Orono takes environmental concerns very seriously and is a very lake-oriented city. Rob Burrell, president of the Long Lake Rowing Club, noted this is a very preliminary plan and kind of high-level at this point. In terms of expanding the club, it is not their intent to expand the club, but they are looking for a permanent home to store their equipment and boats. Being at Birches is not ideal since MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, November 4, 2019 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 6 of 9 their equipment gets beat up being stored outside and it is not their intent to have more boats on the water but merely to house their equipment. With the club’s expanded hours, they do not have time to put more people and boats on the water. The coaches can only handle so many boats on the water and they are limited to two safety boats. As it relates to safety, Birches is not a safe place to access the water given the slope. The club has to continually put mulch down in order to provide a safe walking path down to the lake. In terms of environmental impacts and the other issues that were raised, those are things the club will take into consideration. The club is not proposing coming into the park as a sole use. While this would be the club’s boathouse, the club wants to improve the park and make it more useful for the community. They also want to keep the park as natural as possible and they are trying to make the structure as less intrusive as possible. Burrell noted they are just in the beginning phases of their plan and that they will be addressing the residents’ concerns as they go through this process. It is not their intention to cause disruption to the neighborhood. Norm Hammond asked whether they are looking for public funding. Burrell stated they would conduct fundraising of their own to help build it. Betsy Johnson asked what type of impact the traffic would have on the neighbors. Currently people are forced to turn into private driveways and turn around. Johnson asked how many actual rowers will be there on a daily basis on top of the people who drive into the area and live there. Johnson indicated her driveway hooks right into the beach and that her children are not allowed to ride on the road due to the number of cars. Johnson stated the neighbors have concerns with the traffic and the noise. Burrell stated in the summer months they do a couple of practice sessions with the juniors and the masters are only in the evenings three times a week. The junior rowers practice more often and there will be approximately 20 to 25 rowers per session, with some of them carpooling. Currently their cars are parked in the back row of Birches, which will provide some idea of the number of cars. Some of the rowers get dropped off. The proposal is to keep the lot small, and if the City ever wanted to expand it, that would be their call. The rowers are not there on Sunday. Meyers noted if this goes to the next level, there will be other opportunities for the residents to comment on the application. Rachel Feldman stated she does not know if going to the extent of a big two-story building is necessary and that perhaps they could cut down a few trees at Birches and construct a smaller structure. Feldman stated she would like to see the parking area stay the same as what currently exists. Meyers asked whether the Park Commission could table this. Edwards stated that is up to the Park Commission, but at some point the applicants would like to go before the City Council. Hudson noted the comments expressed by the public were similar to the comments raised by the Park Commission at their work session and that the Park Commission is interested in something that would have the lowest environmental impact as possible. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, November 4, 2019 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 7 of 9 Roath stated this has been a healthy, productive discussion and that he appreciates everyone’s viewpoints. The Park Commission had the benefit of meeting with the rowing club during their work session and that he knows how the neighbors feel because they had a lot of the same concerns. Roath indicated he is not ready to make a recommendation tonight and that in his view more discussion needs to happen. There were a lot of details the Park Commission heard at the work session that were not raised tonight that the public needs to understand. As a result, his vote is not to make a recommendation tonight because the conversation needs to continue. Berg stated a lot of points raised tonight have been discussed by the Park Commission and that they still have a lot of the same questions on how this will impact the neighborhood. Berg indicated she is not sure she is ready to move it forward at this point. Carter commented he also cannot move it forward and that he does not see a compromise at this point. Ruegemer stated she agrees with the comments of the neighbors. While it is a beautiful plan, Summit Beach is also a beautiful park and she does not feel they should move forward with anything at this point. Johnson stated one of the purposes of the Park Commission is to increase the usage of the parks in Orono and that he does not believe the Park Commission has made an improvement at a park where similar concerns were not raised initially. There are a lot of issues that need to be looked at. The proposal is still at an early point, and he would like to see the dialogue continued. In addition, the environmental aspect needs to be looked into and he would like to see more information about that. Johnson noted at the work session there was a little more stated about the public-private partnership at the park, and that if a little effort was made to have some more of these informational meetings, it would be easier for the Park Commission to make a recommendation. Meyers commented there are a number of issues to be considered. Regardless of this proposal, East Long Lake will change because there will be shoreline restoration and a lineal park created, which will naturally bring in more people to the area. There is always a balance that needs to be struck on things and that they will be spending money to make the northern part a park. While it will attract more people, the shoreline restoration work, however, will improve the water quality of the lake. Meyers stated he views Summit Beach as a rustic park, and the question is whether it needs to be improved or have more use. In the past there has been some naughty use. The bathroom was burned down a few years ago and there is some partying that goes on, which raises some security and safety issues with the other activities that go on down there. The Park Commission has to look at the overall picture. The city-owned parks are for all the residents. In addition, being by a park can increase someone’s value of their home. Meyers commented he appreciates all the residents’ concerns and that it is just a matter of how much give and take there can be. This situation is unique because it would be a private-public partnership but there needs to be more discussion about what will happen at the park. There have been points that have been raised that need to be considered, such as the number of swimmers out there and how far out they swim. The beach does get a fair amount of usage. As a result, the City might have to look at changing the philosophy of that lake and perhaps only allow smaller motors or certain types of uses. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, November 4, 2019 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 8 of 9 Burrell stated in terms of moving forward, their understanding was if they receive a recommendation to move on to the next step, that is where a lot of this discussion would go on. Meyers commented it does not appear that the Park Commission is in favor of making a recommendation at this point. Burrell asked whether there would be another work session that they could appear at. Berg stated the feedback of the residents is new and that she would prefer to have another work session. Meyers suggested discussing this at one more work session and that it would be helpful if the residents submit their written concerns that the Park Commission can look at during the workshop. Jane Davidson stated what they have heard tonight is what is the right thing for the park and the greater community. The Park Commission has not heard from the people who use the park, who are not primarily the neighbors. The park is heavily used and most of them are not the residents in the area. Davidson asked whether the City has done a survey of the people who use the park. Davidson indicated she has not noticed a lot of partying at the park and that it is usually pretty quiet. The question is whether they want the rowing club to have almost exclusive use of this property since it is not looking like it is for the public except for possibly the bathroom. Edwards asked if they would like them to come back for the February work session and perhaps the March Planning Commission meeting. Roath noted the work session would be with the Park Commission and that their work sessions are open to the public. Roath stated that does not mean that the rowing club has to wait until then to reach out to the neighbors. Johnson commented he is not sure he wants a work session where the Park Commission is the arbiter between the two sides and that he would be fine if the parties have their own meetings to see if there is enough common ground. One of the points raised was whether this will be an exclusive use and what is the greater value to the community. Johnson stated in his view those things can be answered in the meantime and then brought before the Park Commission. In his view it would be a mistake to suggest that this is ready to go to the Planning Commission since they would have the same types of questions and that there are still are a lot of questions that need to be answered. Meyers stated hardcover and tree removal will be huge issues. Berg stated another issue is the impact to the beach and the people that use the park. The City wants people to use the parks and make them friendly for everyone, but that is another issue that was raised tonight. Roath stated the City needs to be thinking about the improvements to the area and this proposal together. MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION Monday, November 4, 2019 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 9 of 9 Meyers commented it will be a big change to the neighborhood and it will not be the little hidden beach that it has been. Ruegemer stated bringing in bikers and hikers and swimmers is different than constructing a 9,000 square foot building for a private club. Rachel Feldman stated she would echo those same comments. The Parks Commission took no formal action on this item. 1 Francis Kulacki and Jane Davidson 1020 Old Long Lake Road Wayzata, Minnesota 55391 November 16, 2019 Orono Park Board RE: Summit Beach Park Dear Orono Park Board members: We are residents of Long Lake and have owned a home on Long Lake near Summit Beach Park since 2011. We are writing to provide our observations on how this park is used and of its benefits to the community, as well as input on the proposal to build multiple docks and a large boat house structure for the benefit of the Long Lake Rowing Club. Summit beach is a jewel among parks because of its natural setting and access to the lake for swimmers. It is most heavily used in the summer by families, young and old, who swim and float from the beach out into the lake, paddleboard, sunbathe and picnic. The swimming beach access is in a calm bay and the natural setting offers places to sit under the trees and sunbathe with a view of the surrounding lake shore. It is used in the winter months for hiking, fishing and access to the lake for skating and biking. These natural amenities are the draw. There is no other park or public area on the lake which offers open access to the lake without boat and rowing traffic or rough water. Motorized boats and rowing skulls are inherently unsafe for swimmers and thus Summit Beach Park is an oasis. The closing of East Long Lake Road to vehicular traffic has drawn many people to walk or bike with their kids along the lake, fish along the shore and hike into Wood Rill. The renovation of this linear extension of the park will expand the park for bird watching, biking, and safer fishing and access to Wood Rill. It also provides an opportunity to reduce the rate at which storm water enters the lake. We enjoy being neighbors of the park and contrary to a comment made in a recent meeting by the chair of the the Park Board, we have never observed unruly or inappropriate use of the park. The park is quiet after 10 pm and the users are respectful of each other and the neighbors. I am aware of an isolated vandalism event several years ago but this problem appears to be solved. We have never had any concern for safety or complaints about noise or improper behavior. There is no problem to be fixed in this regard. I urge the Park Board to preserve Summit beach for the broad use that it enjoys today while improving it to enhance its natural beauty, lessen its environmental impact on wildlife, wetlands, and water quality, and to provide improvements consistent with the use and uniqueness of the property. This is a park where less is more. Upgrading the parking lot with a permeable hard surface, adding a small covered pavilion for multiple picnic tables, enhancing the facilities to include bathrooms and potable water, and providing safe and environmentally sensitive areas for fishing would be beneficial. In addition, a natural play area that mimics nature for play would be a great asset and a draw for families. There are excellent examples of natural play areas in the area (see https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/twin-cities-nature-playgrounds/) 2 The plans presented by the Long Lake Rowing Club do not appear beneficial to the greater community. If implemented, the permanent presence of the LLRC would dominate use of the park at the expense of others. The proposed docks preclude safe access to the lake by non- rowers. In fact, one dock blocks the beach from the lake and both docks are intended for launching skulls or docking LLRC’s motorized boats; they are not designed or intended for use by the public. The proposed building is designed solely for storage and maintenance of private boats, and private office space; it is not a community space. Increased use of the lake by the LLRC over time seems inevitable if this facility is built. Contrary to comments by the LLRC to the Orono Park Board, LLRC has made recent requests to the Cities of Long Lake and Orono for increasing the number of skulls, adding dock space and expanding time on the lake beyond the expansion they were granted in 2019. The proposed use of Summit Park by the LLRC will lead to unsafe conditions for swimmers, paddle boarders, and rowers, especially if the rowing club increases membership and requires expanded hours on the water. The proposers seem unaware of how the park is used today or the impact of their proposal on the environment and on expanded use of the park by others. We urge you to maintain the natural beauty of this park while enhancing it for use by the larger community and securing it for future generations when natural parks may be rarer. We support the development of the linear park and are excited to see that Orono wants to improve the beach area and expand its use. However, we feel that the proposal by the LLRC does not meet these objectives and is short sighted for the good of the larger community. We urge the LLRC to pursue other options not within proximity of the beach area and at a much smaller scale. We question the appropriateness of this use of public property. Sincerely, Jane Davidson, Frank Kulacki From:Joe Haus To:Adam Edwards Cc:longlakerowing@gmail.com Subject:A vote of support for Long Lake Rowing to partner with the City of Orono in building a home at Summit Park on Long Lake Date:Wednesday, February 26, 2020 10:32:56 PM Hello Parks Commission, Please accept my vote of support in partnering with Long Lake Rowing Crew in the search of a boat house and home at Summit Park on Long Lake. As an Orono resident living on Bayside Rd, I have had many community members comment on how much they enjoy watching the rowers on Long Lake. The program is a great community non-profit organization that provided a great experience for my children. After rowing several seasons with LLRC our daughter walked on to the rowing team in Madison and found a community of girls that provide her support and friendship in college. Her experience as a D1 athlete will provide lessons and learnings that will help her throughout life. Our son is a current high school rower and has found a group of hardworking kids that support each other. The kids learn a sense of responsibility in caring for the boats, the equipment, and the environment. The coaches have a great approach to teaching many facets of accountability to a diverse group of teenagers. The team has been very successful at regattas both in the states and in Canada. Thanks for considering this request, Joe & Sue Haus From:Jim Bigham To:Adam Edwards Cc:longlakerowing@gmail.com Subject:Application to develop a growing boat storage facility on Long Lake. Date:Thursday, February 27, 2020 12:46:25 AM My wife and I have lived on the north shore of Long Lake at 1545 Long Lake Blvd. since 1979. We have very much enjoyed watching the rowers since they first started using the old Billy's property to store and launch their boats. We use the lake alot for water skiing, jet skiing, sailing, kayaking and pontooning and have found them to always be respectful and careful. We have watched the competitions and just wished this had started earlier so our 3 children could have participated as they grew up on the lake. We support their application and believe this would be a good use of currently under utilized park property. We also believe this could also help our area high schools develop a good rowing program that many children could participate in and then go on to college programs such as the U of M's. James and Cindy Bigham, 1545 Long Lake Blvd, Orono, MN. Thank you for your consideration of this matter. Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone From:Ryan Thompson (US - ASR) To:Adam Edwards Cc:LLRC Long Lake Rowing Subject:Attn: Orono Parks Commission RE: In Support of Long Lake Rowing Crew Date:Tuesday, February 25, 2020 10:23:35 PM Hello To introduce myself, my name is Ryan Thompson and I've been an active member of the Long Lake Rowing Crew for 3 years as an assistant coach and member of the LLRC community. I'm 25, grew up in the Minneapolis area, rowed for 4 years in college, and currently live and work in Minneapolis. I was initially attracted to LLRC as an avenue to stay connected to the rowing community and to extend the strong sense of teamwork, hard work, and common vision established during my collegiate rowing career. I had a phenomenal experience with the sport of rowing in college and wanted to do my part to enable others to have a similar experience. While good rowing appears fluid, effortless, and graceful to an observer, rowing is the seamless (and most often disorganized) product of 1,000 unique sensations and responses that are learned over time and with diligent practice. It's the pursuit and rare achievement of this challenging dance that continues to attract and motivate community members of all ages, backgrounds, and athletic experience to learn and contribute to the sport of rowing and the LLRC community. With this theme in mind, I want to highlight several of the tangible benefits that LLRC has effectively realized in the Long Lake Community and will continue to realize under the proposed partnership with the city of Orono and Summit Park on Long Lake. LLRC provides opportunities for anyone in the community who wants to enjoy the lake the ability to do-so. LLRC offers increased access to Long Lake, making the lake more accessible to a greater number of people. Establishing a permanent home would enable LLRC to provide organized activities to anyone in the community seeking to enjoy the lake as an observer, learner, or a competitor and may not have the ability or access to enjoy the lake currently. LLRC encourages and is culturally rooted in teamwork, comradery, and community both on and off the water. LLRC promotes fitness and wellness and encourages all members to practice healthy and balanced lives. LLRC takes seriously its role as a community partner, a good steward of the lake, and make community service a priority. These are a few of the reasons that I continue to support LLRC and believe a permanent home at Summit Park will benefit the community. 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From:Jan Guenther To:Adam Edwards Cc:longlakerowing@gmail.com Subject:FW: rowing partnership with Long Lake Date:Wednesday, February 26, 2020 7:45:31 PM Jan Guenther Owner Gear West Ski.Run.Bike www.gearwest.com From: Jan Guenther Sent: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 7:42 PM To: acdwards@ci.orono.mn.us Cc: longlakerowing@gmail.com Subject: rowing partnership with Long Lake Hi everyone on the Orono parks commission. Everyone at Gear West loves the rowing club and sincerely asks that you support the club in their mission to provide an alternative form of fitness and exercise to youth in the area. I have been supported Orono rowing since the beginning when the club could only use the Rettinger’ old car wash building. I have seen them respectfully observe the rights of all users of the lake while growing their sport for both the local youth and for enthusiastic adults who want to improve fitness and enjoy the water. Please allow the LLRC To continue to provide outdoor water recreation to those who love rowing, love the water and enjoy a comradery of outdoor fitness. But to do so they need stability in location and ease of lake access. For those of us who do not care for motor sports on the lake yet are respectful to those who do, I ask that you support those who would also like to use the water in alternative ways. Care will be taken to observe the normal use of beaches and I fully believe there can be room for all of us lake users who appreciate the water and value the lake front. Long Lake is not Excelsior and is not Wayzata, but we have the potential and are on our way to become the “Fitness Hub of the West”. With Gear West as one of the premier bike/ ski stores in the Mpls and greater area, with our growing number of Fitness studios, with the wonderful new bike path thru the town and with our jewel of a lake, Long Lake IS unique. There are very few areas / lakes that have the ability to foster and support a rowing club and we should be proud that such a club exists in our town. Please allow them to grow conservatively in a permanent home. Thank you Jan . Jan Guenther Owner Gear West Ski.Run.Bike www.gearwest.com From:Sarah Borchers To:Adam Edwards Cc:LLRC Long Lake Rowing Subject:Letter in support of City of Orono and Long Lake Rowing Crew regarding Summit Park Date:Tuesday, February 25, 2020 6:47:32 PM Dear Orono Park Commission, I’m writing in support of a partnership between the City of Orono and the Long Lake Rowing Crew in establishing a permanent home at Summit Park on Long Lake for the LLRC. Our family is new to the LLRC, with our 15 year-old just beginning her crew exploration. However, we have enjoyed watching the LLRC members for years on Long Lake from the windows of Birch's, and I believe the City of Orono would benefit from partnering with this group of community members. Having a permanent place at Summit Park would allow for greater programming opportunities for a wider range of community members. As someone who grew up biking to and swimming at Summit Park, and who has also accidentally slipped on the hill near Birch’s where the LLRC currently sets up shop, the Summit Park location is far more accessible to folks. As our demographics in the Orono area grow older, having a wealth of opportunities for people to explore low-impact, accessible and effective exercise (while enjoying our beautiful outdoors) will only become more important. Summit Park has a special place in my heart, and I think having LLRC’s permanent home there is a good idea. Balancing the needs of the greater community and individual homeowners’ preferences is an important role of the Park Commission. Both my husband and our 15 year-old have served on the Medina Park Commission (our daughter as a junior non-voting member), and we’ve learned that there are always pros and cons to every decision. I hope that the members of the Orono Park Commission can see that in this case, the benefits to the wider community are great. Many thanks for your service to Orono, and for considering this partnership. Regards, Sarah Borchers 763-370-4647 From:Laura Buggy To:Adam Edwards Cc:Long Lake Rowing Club Subject:Letter in support of Long Lake Rowing Crew Date:Wednesday, February 26, 2020 10:59:05 PM Dear Orono Parks Commission, I would like to express my support for the Orono Parks Board to partner with Long Lake Rowing Crew in establishing a boat house on Summit Park property. I am a part of the Long Lake Rowing Crew Masters’ (adult) program. When I was looking to join a rowing team (having learned to row my last year of college and interested in learning more), I was thrilled to find an opportunity in the western metro – Long Lake Rowing Crew (LLRC)! I love that LLRC provides opportunities for youth and adults. As there are no rowing teams at high schools, having this opportunity available for youth in the western suburbs is wonderful and saves teens and parents precious time and resources since they do not have to go as far for the opportunity to row. I am constantly in awe of how quickly the youth progress and the high skill level they achieve in a few short years on the team! Having the adult program available is equally important. I think society tends to focus on athletics for youth as well as friendships during your school years. However, staying active and forming new and lasting relationships as an adult is equally important to the health and well being of the community but it can be challenging and daunting. Long Lake Rowing Crew has given me an avenue to stay active and form new relationships, leading to greater physical and mental health! I love that the masters program includes a wide range of ages and abilities: from just out of college to 70s, brand new rower to many many years of experience and everywhere in between! Being part of LLRC for several years, I have greatly enjoyed seeing adults try rowing for the first time and grow in their skills and passion for the sport! This program allows adults who want to compete at a high level and those who want to learn the sport on a recreational level to have access to the same excellent coaching and support. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged! The amount of encouragement and support I feel from my teammates is incredible! This encouragement is not limited to just rowing but transcends into other aspects of my life as well which goes to show the depth of impact being a part of this team can have. I truly feel lucky to be a part of this community and am grateful for the opportunity to use the space at Birch’s on the Lake. Having a permanent home for LLRC at Summit Park would allow Long Lake Rowing Crew to continue providing these amazing opportunities to youth and adults in the Long Lake & Orono greater community for years to come. Thank you for your time and consideration, Sincerely,, Laura Buggy (Golden Valley resident) From:christine carragee To:Adam Edwards; LLRC Long Lake Rowing Subject:LLRC boathouse Date:Monday, February 24, 2020 10:15:41 PM I'm hoping this email reaches the committee planning for the development of the Long Lake beach park. My name is Christine and I have been a rower off and on since 1997. I grew up in Philly where the sport is popular and very competitive. I rowed for my high school and a local club and then went on to row in college and post college in St Paul at a community club. Two years ago I was contacted by some former teammates about an immediate need for a juniors coach for the Long Lake Rowing Crew. I had taken 8 years off since I rowed competitively and wasn't sure I would make a good coach having been so far removed from the sport. I took a CRP class and meet with the former coach as well as the club director and decided to try and help out since I had a flexible schedule that summer. I was immediately impressed by the attitude, effort and capability of the boys and girls teams, with a mix of kids from various public and private schools on the west side of the cities. I got to watch kids form new friendship, build strength and fitness as they grew into their teenage bodies and support each other at regattas throughout that summer and the following seasons. Watching the dedication of both the student athletes and their parents who help run the club and get equipment and food to regattas was extremely motivating for me. I decided I wanted to get back on the water myself and was pleased to find that lake rowing in a single feels MUCH safer than on the Mississippi where you have to worry about fast moving barges and paddleboats which churn up wake that can suck small boats in toward them or swamp the boat making it heavy or unrowable. Compared to my experience rowing I'm St Paul I have found Long Lake to be a similarly welcoming community, but a preferable venue. I've come to enjoy an occasional Saturday after practice breakfast at Birch's or heading to the Rooster bar for a drink with my Masters teammates. Now that I'm pregnant my ability to run or participate in other sports has dramatically deminished, but I've found that sitting on an erg is easy enough on my hips that in my 9th month I can still train with the team at the fire station. My pregnancy would have been a lot less active, social and enjoyable if I didn't have rowing to fall back on. I drive 25 miles from Highland Park to continue to be a part of LLRC because of their willingness to embrace everyone from the juniors who Won the most competitive regatta in the US, the Head of the Charles last fall, to some mid-60s retirees who are finding the sport for their first time. Having a secure physical location to store boats will be helpful to this club in many ways. It will minimize damage to hulls and equipment from the current dirty/ wooded hillside which presents navigation challenges to avoid hitting obstacles getting on and off the water. It will mean less work transitioning from the on the water season to winter training, by providing year round training and storage in the same space and will enable better learn to row teaching space for new rowers or interested community members. With a dedicated boathouse I think the club can grow it's membership and diversity of age and ambitions significantly. It's such a massive volunteer endeavor to keep the club running when the fundamentals of where and how to store equiptment and how to train in inclement weather (which we have a lot of in MN) need to be continualy reevaluated. Rowing will always be a sport which requires more time and efforts to participate in than jogging or cycling, but it's team nature, low impact and the joy of being on water make it worthwhile. I hope a boathouse with lake access gets approved and look forward to continuing to commute out west to enjoy long lake rowing for years to come. From:Josh Golbus To:Adam Edwards Subject:Long Lake Rowing Boat House Date:Monday, February 24, 2020 8:17:34 PM To whom it may concern, I am a high school senior who has rowed for Long Lake rowing crew for several years. Rowing for Long Lake has opened many doors for me. Most of my closest friends I have met through Long Lake rowing. The sport of rowing has gotten me into college at Brown University. I would like to express my complete support for the construction of a boathouse at Summit Park. A boathouse would give our team the space that is necessary to expand, and share the sport of rowing with many others in the community. Thank you for your consideration, Josh Golbus From:Craig Bongart To:Adam Edwards Subject:Long Lake Rowing Boathouse 4 Date:Wednesday, February 26, 2020 10:04:31 PM Greetings, I am reaching out with enthusiastic support for a permanent boathouse at Summit Park For the Long Lake Rowing Crew. Of course this will be great for the club, but even more than that, what a unique opportunity for Long Lake and the little known and used park. The LLRC has grown into a respected community oriented program where kids and adults alike can learn to row, and have the chance to compete at the most prestigious regatta’s, here and abroad if they so desire. A graceful sport that for residents and visitors to the lake can be mesmerizing to watch, and of course it doesn’t involve loud motors. With this email I respectfully ask for your support. This is a perfect fit as Long Lake continues to evolve and improve. I grew up in Orono and moved to Long Lake in high school. I graduated from Orono as have all three of my kids. My mother was the long-time elementary principle. This is a community I know well. I truly hope the commission embraces this opportunity to support and benefit from this community, non-profit club that is open to all who wish to learn, compete or just admire and observe. Respectfully, Craig Craig Bongart 763.607.2175 Sent from my iPad From:Karen Kasner To:Adam Edwards Subject:Long Lake Rowing Boathouse Date:Wednesday, February 26, 2020 2:19:21 PM Dear Orono Parks Commission, I am writing to express my support of the the Long Lake Rowing Club and their efforts to establish a permanent home on Long Lake. As an Orono community member for the past 15 years, I have driven by Long Lake almost every day and often wished I was one of the lucky ones with a home on the water. The rowing club has added a mysterious allure to the lake. It is so serene to see the boats gently gliding through the tranquil water on a misty summer morning. When I read the articles of the regatta success the club brings home with them, it adds to my pride in being an Orono/Long Lake resident. What a fascinating and unusual sport and we are so lucky to be able to engage and support the young and old who are working so hard at it. I was so intrigued with the sport, that I decided to join the club. I have been amazed at the group’s small town feel and welcoming attitude. They are dedicated to fitness and inclusivity for the entire community. I am looking forward to the chance to be on the lake with them this summer, an opportunity I would not have otherwise had. Thank you for your consideration of their request Karen Kasner 845 Willow View Drive From:Brennan Greene To:Adam Edwards; Long Lake Rowing Subject:Long Lake Rowing Club Date:Tuesday, February 25, 2020 9:30:40 AM Hello, just wanted to let whomever is concerned know how great the Long Lake Rowing Club is. Over the last 5 years I have watched the club grow as they currently use the space behind Birch's as their home base. It is amazing to see how many more people of all ages that are experiencing rowing on Long Lake. It is the perfect lake for rowing as it is long and calm. The club is also something interesting for our customers to watch as they dine out on our deck overlooking the lake. Just seeing the peaceful rowers moving silently across the lake elevates our entire community, as most people never get to see a sport like this. They are consistently loading up their boats and representing our towns at meets all across the state and even in Canada. The club is always respectful of our space, but is rapidly outgrowing it. Birch's is in full support of them getting their own boat house in the future, and thinks that the presence of the club is something that really sets Long Lake/Orono apart from other communities. Please let me know if you have any questions about how they operate from a land owner perspective. Thank you. -Brennan Greene Brewmaster/Owner 314-910-7346 Birch's on the Lake Brewhouse & Supperclub 1310 West Wayzata Blvd Long Lake, MN 55356 952-473-7373 Birch's Lowertown Tap Room & Barrel House 289 E 5th St Suite 3 St Paul, MN 55101 651-432-HOPS (4677) From:Margo Hunt To:Adam Edwards Subject:Long Lake Rowing Crew Boathouse 2 Date:Tuesday, February 25, 2020 3:37:33 PM    To: Orono Parks Commission Without a doubt, adding a Long Lake Rowing Crew (LLRC) Boathouse will have a profound and positive impact on the Long Lake community and its neighboring communities. The long-term commitment that LLRC and the Boathouse brings are many. The boathouse will give everyone in the area access to the sport of rowing and access to Long Lake. Providing an opportunity for health and fitness in a low impact setting with high results for all ages in the community and beyond. Communities and neighborhoods benefit greatly from public spaces that include unique regional features such as boathouses. LLRC is committed to be good steward of Long Lake, its water quality and shoreline preservation, (as rowing shells are quiet and no-wake boats.) The LLRC Boathouse will provide public restrooms for Summit Park, a much needed improvement and will improve everyone’s visit to Summit Park. The presence of the LLRC Boathouse will discourage unwanted activities at the park and offer the sport of rowing to all. Rowing can change lives by promoting fitness, teamwork, leadership and more. As stated in our club vision and mission... We strive to be the most all-inclusive, fun, and competitive rowing club in the Twin Cities, committed to providing expert instruction, promoting personal and competitive achievement, and enriching our members and community through the sport of rowing. We hope this encourages the residents and the Orono Park Commission to get involved in an extraordinary opportunity! Again, LLRC is committed to community service and having the LLRC Boathouse will make an immeasurable positive impact on the city of Long Lake and the Orono Park System. Sincerely, Margo Hunt & Patrick Donlin Master Rowers Sent from my iPhone Sent from my iPhone From:Drew Mitchellette To:Adam Edwards Subject:Long Lake Rowing Crew Boathouse 3 Date:Wednesday, February 26, 2020 6:54:45 PM Dear Orono Parks Commission, As a four year member of Long Lake Rowing Crew, I would like to express my support for the creation of a permanent home. Long Lake Rowing Crew has served as an anchor throughout my high school career, and will continue to as I return home each year from college. This fun, inclusive club has positively affected many lives in our community. After spending four years in the rowing community, it has became clear to me that LLRC is recognized at the national level. Members in the rowing community think highly of our club, and therefore bringing positive attention to this town. I have received compliments about the clubs unique and welcoming atmosphere. While rowers have the option of being competitive or recreational, my friends and I have had a blast training here on Long Lake, and then traveling across the county to compete. Establishing a permeant home for Long Lake Rowing Crew would allow us to expand this opportunity to more people in our community. As a resident of Long Lake and graduate of Orono High School, I feel a permanent home would bring positive publicity to these adjoined communities. A boathouse, potentially on Summit Beach, I feel, would create curiosity and excitement among our community. I believe the establishment of a permanent home for Long Lake Rowing Crew would add great value to the communities surrounding Long Lake. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Andrew Mitchellette From:Larry Peszek To:Adam Edwards Subject:Long Lake Rowing Crew Boathouse Date:Monday, February 24, 2020 9:18:28 PM Mr. Edwards / Orono Parks Commission, I’m taking the opportunity to write to you in support of the proposed Long Lake Rowing Crew (LLRC) boathouse. My wife Donna joined LLRC a few years ago, and my work schedule allowed me to finally pursue rowing for the first time last year at the ripe “young” age of 65. It’s been a great experience! I know that you are aware of the club’s basic aim of providing an opportunity for anyone in the community to enjoy the lake and enhance one’s fitness and wellness through the tremendous sport of rowing. Creating a boathouse home would certainly enhance LLRC’s ability to make this a reality for many individuals for many years to come, and it would be a great asset for the city of Orono and for Long Lake. But I also wanted to speak to some things my wife and I have observed as members of LLRC. The senior rowers, coaches, and especially the leadership of LLRC are people of character and integrity. They are very committed to be thoughtful stewards of the lake, and to be highly valued members of the community. LLRC is also simply a very friendly and sociable group. The junior rowers are outstanding young people – polite, dedicated, respectful, and disciplined. I suspect that some junior rowers are drawn to the sport because they possess these traits, and some I suspect develop these traits because of what the sport and LLRC require. Regardless, it is genuinely rewarding to watch these young women and men as they train, develop, and compete. LLRC leadership clearly is very focused on the importance of the junior program, and the parents of the juniors are likewise very dedicated to supporting LLRC as part of the community. Thank you for taking the time to read this. We hope that we have the commission’s support moving forward. Sincerely, Larry Peszek 5401 Lake Sarah Heights Drive Independence, MN 55357 612.669.1319 From:Ben Wasscher To:Adam Edwards Cc:LLRC Long Lake Rowing Subject:Long Lake Rowing Crew Proposal Date:Wednesday, February 26, 2020 6:55:06 PM Dear Mr or Ms Edwards, I am a member of the Long Lake Rowing Crew. I wanted to make sure that you were aware of my support for the plans to establish a permanent home on Long Lake. Rowing is an awesome sport and it is clearly gaining in interest among high school students and adults alike. There are not many sports where high school students and older participants (am 62 myself) interact so closely. Rowing is a long impact, high intensity sport. Resulting in fit and healthy participants without the risk of injuries. I can certainly recommend to all people from Orono who have not yet decided to join. Best regards Ben Wasscher 4775 North Shore Drive Orono, MN 55364 From:Kaelynn Heiberg To:Adam Edwards Cc:Long Lake Rowing Subject:Long Lake Rowing Crew Summit Park Project Date:Wednesday, February 26, 2020 4:02:24 PM Hello Mr. Edwards and the Orono Parks Commission, My name is Kaelynn Heiberg and I am one of the coaches for Long Lake Rowing Crew. I wanted to help demonstrate to the Orono Parks Commission that Long Lake Rowing Crew is a community asset and that a boathouse in Summit Park will help this rowing crew continue to serve the Orono community. As a coach I have seen the difference that rowing can make to kids and adults alike. Long Lake Rowing Crew provides a safe space to learn a new skill, to make lifelong friendships and to gain confidence that can be taken from the boat into rowers’ daily lives. Rowing is also a new way for people to enjoy a wonderful lake, like Long Lake, and to get exercise as well. Indoor rowing has been growing in popularity lately and as a rowing club we could help people translate that new interest in rowing to the outdoors, getting the workout they looked for in the indoor class, while being able to enjoy the beautiful lake and park. Rowing is also a skill that high school students can take to college. In recent years our high school program has seen successes that have gotten noticed nationwide, so that when our high schoolers visit college rowing teams, the rowers and coaches recognize Long Lake Rowing Crew as a successful program, one that creates rowers who are assets to teams across the country. Long Lake rowers are encouraged to take part in community service projects, to come together as a team off the water, and to show appreciation for the community that supports us. Rowing is a great way to learn teamwork and leadership skills, and when we host community learn-to-row classes, we ask current rowers to help us coaches lead these classes. The classes give our rowers a chance to engage with new people and help teach the sport of rowing. The learn-to-row classes we offer through Orono Community Education are almost always full and usually have a waitlist, showing us that there is community interest in rowing already. A boathouse would help us continue to improve the quality of these classes and give us more options if the lake was windy or too rainy to row on. A boathouse would be a place indoors to hold the learn-to-row safely without making participants reschedule during the busy summer months. With a partnership between the Orono Parks Commission and Long Lake Rowing Crew, Summit Park would become a new place for people to try rowing and to enjoy the lake. Thank you, Kaelynn Heiberg From:Zoner, Eric To:Adam Edwards Cc:Diann Zoner; Zoner, Eric Subject:Long Lake Rowing Crew Support Date:Thursday, February 27, 2020 9:19:29 AM Dear Orono Parks Commission, We are Eric and Diann Zoner, Orono residents for 16 years. We were first introduced to rowing on Long Lake in 2013 when our high school sophomore daughter, Olivia, joined the club to learn how to row. At that time there were fewer than twenty club members. Today there are more than ninety- five junior and master rowers. Our daughter was instantly hooked on the sport, and we were quickly drawn in by the playful personality of the team and the natural camaraderie of its members, parents and coaches. To this day, we are still in awe at how a group of such humble beginnings has grown into a such a respected club and internationally recognized team. From the very beginning, this club had the vision and passion to build, not only a team, but a brand and a respected presence in the community. A boathouse has long been the anchor of this dream. In 2014 Orono and Long Lake neighbors saw an abandoned, neglected building with a pot-holed parking lot. But LLRC saw a place to call home, and their pride drove them to improve the property to let the community know they were serious. When the question of the team’s impact on the community is raised, we recall the overwhelming response we received when it came time to reclaim the property and cleanup the site and lakeshore. At times we had over fifty volunteers ankle deep in mud and filling dumpsters. All this from a juniors team that had grown to twenty-five members. If this group felt such pride in an abandoned lot, just think of the pride and level of commitment they will have for a more permanent structure built for the purpose of the life-long sport of rowing. This boathouse would not only provide a home for LLRC, it would provide a place for community education and the promotion of health and fitness. It will provide a place where the community can gather to learn, play and enjoy our beautiful lake. In closing, over the life of the club, LLRC has been an exceptional neighbor and steward of the shore and lake. A boathouse in Summit Park would be a great way to add to the charm of Orono, showcase Long Lake and bring attention to an under-utilized natural gem. It will also serve as a gathering place for years to come where friendships, memories and a sense of community will continue to be built. Sincerely, Eric and Diann Zoner 1050 Cox Farm Road Orono, MN 55356 (952) 473-0072 From:Rose Winkels To:Adam Edwards Cc:LLRC Long Lake Rowing Subject:Orono Parks Commission - LLRC Boathouse Date:Wednesday, February 26, 2020 7:19:59 PM Orono Parks Commission, My husband, our five children and I have been living in the Orono/Long Lake/Maple Plain area for the past 25 years. We do not own a motorboat, we do not fish, and we do not live near a lake. My husband grew up near water and it was always his dream to own a boat and live next to the water, but that never worked out for us. We drove by Long Lake often, but never found a way to engage in the lake and enjoy it. Then our youngest daughter Ava, after trying numerous sports, tried rowing with LLRC and she fell in love. She would get giddy just driving past Long Lake and could not wait to get out on the water and just be - just be one with the water. Rowing has become her passion and she feels a tremendous devotion to Long Lake. She is so proud to say that she is part of Long Lake Rowing! It has not all been easy, there has been lots of hard work, and she has had to work harder than rowers from most clubs because we are such a young club that does not have the facilities that most clubs have. Ava has recruited friends from school and the community to join the rowing team. These are people that have never had a connection with the water. She also convinced my husband and I to join LLRC. So my husband did not get his dream of owning a motorboat and living on the water, but instead we are rowing on Long Lake three days a week and thoroughly appreciating all that the lake has to offer. It has given us the opportunity to use the lake that we had been driving past for 25 years but did not have a way to engage with. Ava was recruited by the University of Kansas to row on their D1 Collegiate team. She was so proud to tell the coaches, teammates, and all of her fellow classmates that her heart is in Long Lake. LLRC opened a door to the lake that Ava, her friends that she has recruited to be on the team and my husband and I would never have gotten without rowing. The next step is to build a boathouse for LLRC so that the club has a home to invite the community into and share this beautiful life long sport of rowing. We personally feel a commitment to the club, to the lake itself and the community surrounding the lake and we hope that the Orono Parks Commission will support LLRC in it’s efforts to build a boat house that will promote the lake and bond the community together. Thank you in advance for any support that you can provide! Rose Winkels From:John Winston To:Adam Edwards Cc:longlakerowing@gmail.com Subject:Rowing Boathouse Date:Tuesday, February 25, 2020 7:45:19 AM Dear Park Commissioners: Our family enthusiastically support the creation of a rowing boathouse on Long Lake. Daughter Morgan and son John both participated in the LLRC’s rowing program, and were the beneficiaries of the program’s training and competition. We expect that Morgan will return to the sport once she is established with a new job in our community. That’s one of the great pluses of the sport. Participants can be young and old. And it’s great fun to watch-a beautiful sport all can enjoy, either as a participant or as a spectator. The proposed boathouse will add immeasurably to the experience and enjoyment of the sport on Long Lake. We ask that you approve the project. It will be of great benefit to our community and its residents, young and old. Thank you. John B Winston 245 Inland Lane No. Plymouth, MN 55447 612-597-6660 From:Mary Delmore To:Adam Edwards Cc:LLRC Long Lake Rowing Subject:Support of LLRC Date:Wednesday, February 26, 2020 2:33:48 PM My profile: Orono resident for 26 years Novice master rower with LLRC Recently 63 yr old retired attorney Founding and regular user of the Orono Activity Center Attention Orono Parks Commission, I have lived in Orono for 26 yrs. and have watched the area evolve with the Highway 12 bypass project, development of multiple neighborhoods, the shop Long Lake effort and the face lift associated with the 112 reconstruction project. Ever since the LLRC started rowing on Long Lake I watched them with keen interest. It is such an elegant, artful sport that very of us have had an opportunity to try or watch. When working out at the Orono Community Center I met some master rowers and noticed that the Orono Community Ed offered an adult learn to row class with LLRC. I put aside my inhibitions and took the class. I was a recently retired attorney and at 62 and 5 foot 2” with no prior rowing experience -- I was hardly the likely recruit. I was totally hooked after my first time on the water. The sport is very artful and requires a deceptive amount of technique that will take me years to fully develop. I am ergging at the Long Lake Fire Department January – March before getting on the water this spring. Ergging at the LLFD is fine example of a community partnership with LLRC. I have met a number of new people who live in the community and surrounding area in the Masters club and everyone is very welcoming and gracious to a novice rower with zero experience. It’s been refreshing to take on a new challenge and push myself out of my comfort zone – and all right in my back yard. It’s not a sport for the faint of heart. I am confident the LLRC will continue to be a strong community partner and good steward of Long Lake. You should consider me a representative example of a committed community member interested in the both the future of Long Lake and the LLRC. I strongly urge you to support LLRC and provide the public community an opportunity to try rowing. Watching rowers on the lake is very picturesque and is a unique sport that distinguishes Long Lake. It should be fostered. Sincerely, Mary Delmore mary@mrdlaw.biz From:Hotmail To:Adam Edwards Cc:longlakerowing@gmail.com Subject:Support of Long Lake Rowing Date:Wednesday, February 26, 2020 9:15:32 PM As an Orono resident, I am writing to support Long Lake Rowing’s petition for their own Permanent structure on Long Lake. My son, Gavin, has been a member of LLRC for the past few years. It has ignited a passion of rowing in him, and is something he wants to pursue in college and beyond. Because the local schools do not offer crew, LLRC Is their only option. In addition to fitness and teamwork, crew also is teaching him respect. I am confident that LLRC and its participants will respect the lake and the environment and be good stewards of the parks. Having a permanent home will not only benefit our family but the community at large. It will engage more residents in the outdoors and all Orono has to offer. Thank you for seriously considering LLRC’s petition. Laura Stoltenberg From:Nichole Hirsch Kuechle To:Adam Edwards Cc:Amy LLRC Johnson Subject:Thumbs up for LLRC boathouse at Summit Park Date:Thursday, February 27, 2020 12:24:06 AM I'd like to share my insights as to how LLRC is an asset to our community. Having grown up in Maple Plain, attended Orono schools K-12, and now raising my own family and running a small business in Long Lake, thriving community resources are important to me. An organization that has grown near and dear to our hearts is the Long Lake Rowing Crew. Our oldest daughter is entering her third summer of rowing with LLRC and I can't say enough about what connecting into that group has provided. Sunny has expanded her "family" and we have gained new friends, have seen new and different places on the map, and get the tremendous honor of watching her grow, push, and stretch herself under the guidance of Coach Nicholas. Providing she and other local youth and adults fitness and wellness opportunities is important for the growth and vitality of our small town. One thing I appreciate most is due to it being a club versus a district sport, Long Lake then attracts rowers from Minnetonka, Wayzata, Benilde, Blake, Breck, and beyond. The niche that LLRC has carved out is making its mark. Community members light up in conversation when they find out we are involved with this group. They are excited to hear what the rowers are up to and that we've got a space to utilize via Birches in which to congregate. The downside is that as a club we've got no space to call home or expand into. The result is inconsistencies in training, movement and time waste in hauling and storing equipment, and not a chance at bringing a real time regatta to Long Lake. To establish a home base for this group enables LLRC to provide programming that could be open to anyone in the community who wants to participate and have access to the lake. It also opens the opportunity for LLRC to stand tall and proud in its role as a community partner, wherein community service opportunities are open to all members. Our family has launched many a paddle board excursion from Summit Beach. We've taken our kids to this cleaner side of the lake for years to swim and enjoy the rope swing. It's a smaller beach that provides a more intimate sense of connection to neighbors. The only downside to this park is the unkempt nature of the area. More parking, a clean boathouse, picnic area, and well groomed/outlined beach with a dock would be a lovely and well received addition to our community. -- Nichole Hirsch Kuechle My Healthy Beginning Clinical Master, Nutrition Response Testing PSYCH-K® Facilitator E: nichi@myhealthybeginning.com P: 612-418-3801 www.MyHealthyBeginning.com Put yourself first this month with a FREE Heart Sound Recorder scan followed by a 15 minute visit to test for your heart healthy specific supplements. ($85 value at no cost to you). Call 612-418-3801 to schedule TODAY! ***Supplements are out of pocket cost. The Heart Sound Recorder is a microphone that is 24,000 times louder than a stethoscope!*** From:Jennifer Letscher To:Adam Edwards Subject:Upcoming vote on Long Lake Rowing Boathouse Date:Tuesday, February 25, 2020 8:26:31 PM Hello Parks Commission, I am hoping you will consider voting YES on the upcoming proposal and building plans being presented by the Long Lake Rowing Club for a boathouse on Long Lake. We have been a part of the club for the past few years and can attest to their community spirit and inclusive philosophy. They are a wonderful club that can bring an amazing sport - rowing - to the wider community. Establishing a permanent home can allow Long Lake Rowing Crew to provide programing that is open and available to anyone in the community. The sport of rowing is an amazing sport that provides not only exercise but cooperate teamwork. Long Lake Rowing Crew is a non-profit community club that is committed to sharing the life-long sport of rowing with all local community members. Please consider this when voting. Thank you, Jennifer Letscher 1 From:SANDRA McCarthy <sandraMN@msn.com> Sent:Thursday, February 27, 2020 2:32 PM To:Adam Edwards Cc:longlakerowing@gmail.com Subject:Attention: Orono Parks Commission. Support for Long Lake Rowing Crew Dear Orono Parks Commission, I am writing in support of Long Lake Rowing Crew (LLRC) and their desire to have a permanent home with access to Long Lake. Rowing is a sport that can be learned and enjoyed by people of almost any age and creates a beneficial social component that connects people to their local community. As a non-profit, LLRC strives to be an inclusive club that promotes wellness, self esteem, camaraderie, and community involvement. Long Lake Rowing Crew has had an impressive competitive history in it’s short time, yet it welcomes rowers of every caliber--those who simply want to soak up the beautiful environment, all the way to those who have represented the United States on the national rowing team. For the junior rowers, LLRC has created the opportunity for local athletes to participate and learn from being part of a team. For many, it has been the pathway for them to attend universities they otherwise may not have been able to attend. For those already in a college program, rowing on Long Lake has been essential during the off-season to allow them to continue to excel and maintain their scholarships. For adults, LLRC presents the wonderful opportunity for experienced rowers to continue their love of the sport through competition or just for fun and fitness. For adults new to the sport of rowing, LLRC offers the chance to learn something new and according to most adults in the program, “Something they always wanted to try but didn’t have access to.” The current situation of storing equipment outdoors, is not secure and drastically shortens the lifespan of expensive equipment. This also deters private boat owners, who would be valuable members to LLRC, from wanting to join and contribute to the community. The lack of a boathouse also doesn’t support the social component that so many people desire about team sports. A permanent home for LLRC will 2 allow for a safer, more secure environment for equipment and for people. It will create more opportunities for the local community to get out in nature, enjoy the lake, keep minds and bodies healthy and create lasting memories through friendship and community. Thank you for your consideration, Sandra and Finbarr McCarthy   1 From:LLRC Long Lake Rowing <longlakerowing@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, February 27, 2020 3:24 PM To:Adam Edwards Subject:Fwd: LLRC equipment storage at Summit Park on Long Lake, Orono Adam, Just forwarding this to you, as Tammis said her email to you bounced back. (looks like an extra ".") Thank you! ~amy ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Tammis McMillan <tammis.mcmillan@outlook.com> Date: Thu, Feb 27, 2020 at 2:53 PM Subject: LLRC equipment storage at Summit Park on Long Lake, Orono To: aedwards@ci.orono.mn.us. <aedwards@ci.orono.mn.us> Cc: longlakerowing@gmail.com <longlakerowing@gmail.com>, Isabel Keating (isabella.keating@gmail.com) <isabella.keating@gmail.com> To Orono City Council: As a resident on Long Lake, I have greatly enjoyed and appreciate the Long Lake Rowing Club. I understand their need for a permanent storage facility and give my support for the initial proposed site at Summit Beach, Orono on Long Lake. Sincerely, Tammis McMillan 1274 Tealwood Place Long Lake, MN -- Amy Johnson 612.850.3192 Director LLRCrew Long Lake Rowing Crew www.longlakerowing.org Face Book: Long Lake Rowing Crew Twitter: @LLRCrew Follow us on Instagram 1 From:Lori Goodsell <drlorigoodsell@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, February 27, 2020 3:58 PM To:Adam Edwards Subject:Long Lake Rowing Club 2 Hello, As a resident of Long Lake and user of Summit Park, I am writing to ask you to protect and nurture Long Lake Rowing Club. It's a great club that taught me to row for the first time 18 months ago. I've felt a lot more connected to the communities of Long Lake and Orono and have spent a lot of time on the lake since taking up rowing and I would have never found my love for rowing without a rowing club so close to my home. Before that, I would launch my paddleboard from Summit Beach. It's a nice piece of land but so underutilized! I remember the time the criminals set fire to the portapotties 2-3 years ago. Hopefully with more action in the park and more people around, we will have less crimes of that nature. One thing I didn't know about rowing before I started is that it is a sport where many generations are involved which makes for responsible use and supervision of young people as well. Our little Long Lake/Orono hub is such a center of fitness right now. Please us keep it that way and continue to expand our health and wellness offerings. Considering the water quality issues we've spent the last couple years working on with Long Lake, it seems non-motorized water craft use would be highly encouraged as it's the least impactful environmentally on the lake AND has a positive impact on our community member's health. Please support Long Lake rowing club finding a permanent home on Long Lake at Summit Beach. Dr Lori Goodsell -- This email and its attachments may contain privileged and confidential information and/or protected health information (PHI) intended solely for the use of Dr. Lori Goodsell and the recipient(s) named above. If you are not the recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution, printing or copying of this email message and/or any attachments is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately at 763-553-0387 and permanently delete this email and any attachments. 1 From:Rea James <sales@jamespq.com> Sent:Thursday, February 27, 2020 4:16 PM To:Adam Edwards Subject:Long Lake Rowing Crew boathouse proposal To: Orono Parks Commission  Dear Commission Members,  The purpose of this email is to give you our strong support for the proposed boathouse and other improvements  presented by the Long Lake Rowing Crew (LLRC).  We live in Long Lake, and are proud of the lake and its value to the  community.  A lake with active participants – whether it be water skiiers, swimmers, paddleboarders, fishermen, or  rowers – signifies a healthy community that supports active lifestyles outside.  Additionally, the lake is an important  draw for local businesses, and the proposed LLRC improvements has the potential to boost visitors (and business) to the  area.    While we have only had one year of involvement with LLRC, we have noticed the rowers on the lake for many years, and  marveled at the beauty of the sport. Every person I have ever talked with (no kidding!) loves the sight of rowers on the  water!  As we have become more involved with LLRC, we have only been more impressed with the club as it is truly a  community‐based club that welcomes all.  Finally, establishing a permanent home for the club will help to provide programming to all community members.  This is  key, as the club is relatively new (just over five years), and there is a lot of interest / curiosity among community  residents about the sport itself (rules, events, etc.).    We appreciate you taking the time to review this email in support of LLRC’s boathouse. We really feel it can only bring  benefits to not only the lake, but to the wider community as a whole.  Thank you.  Best Regards,  Rea and Jeremy James  1 From:Melinda Nelson <melindaclaire@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:41 PM To:Adam Edwards Subject:Long Lake Rowing Crew To the Orono Parks Commission, I'm a master rower with the Long Lake Rowing Crew and I'm writing in support of a permanent home on Long Lake. I've been part of the club since the beginning, so I have a deep appreciation for the communities of Orono and Long Lake. My late father used to live in Long Lake so I'm grateful to both cities for allowing the club to grow and thrive, since it gives me an opportunity to spend time in an area he loved. I live in Excelsior, a city that provides a unique sense of community for both residents and visitors. Similarly, I believe that Long Lake Rowing Crew has enhanced and expanded the sense of community in Orono and Long Lake. Over the last seven-plus years, my fellow rowers and I have spent many hours learning to row and encouraging new people to discover Long Lake and watch/participate in the sport. I've also made Orono and Long Lake part of my regular routine, as I shop at Harvest Moon and buy coffee at Caribou and gas at SuperAmerica/Speedway. I buy plants and shrubs at Otten Brothers and wine at the liquor store. I also dine at Birch's, both after rowing practice and all year-round with family and friends from across the Twin Cities. I hope you will support a permanent home on the lake, as I believe it will allow the club to further support and enhance the spirit of community in Orono and Long Lake. Sincerely, Melinda Nelson Melinda Nelson Tel. 612-840-1149 -- Melinda Nelson Tel. 612-840-1149 1 From:Sandie Berger <sandie596@yahoo.com> Sent:Thursday, February 27, 2020 10:57 PM To:Adam Edwards Cc:Long Lake Rowing Llrc Subject:Long Lake Rowing program Long Lake is a beautiful natural asset in our community and the Long Lake Rowing Club has leveraged that asset for the  benefit of athletes, spectators, and the community at large.  My daughter, Julie Berger (Orono High School ‘15), joined the club in 2013.  The club was fairly new, and the excitement  of all the people learning to row was palpable.  In the short time that rowing has been available on Long Lake, the  success of the program has been incredible.  Several high school athletes have gone on to row in prestigious collegiate  programs, many with generous scholarship offers.   Perhaps more important though, are the number of people,  including my daughter and me, who have been exposed to a wonderful lifetime sport.  The Long Lake Rowing Club is a  tremendous asset to our community ‐ benefiting both those on the water and those spectating from the comfort of  Birch’s.  I am completely in support of a better facility and permanent home for the club.  Sandie Berger  1150 Old Crystal Bay Road  Wayzata, MN. 55391  Sent from my iPhone  1 From:Paul Terry <paul.terry@hero-health.org> Sent:Thursday, February 27, 2020 2:08 PM To:Adam Edwards Subject:Orono Parks Commission and a Long Lake Rowing Facility To the Orono Parks Commission,  This email is offered in support of the proposed addition of a rowing facility at Summit Park on Long Lake. I  anticipate that you are receiving considerable support from sports and fitness enthusiasts, from parents who  understand the value of youth sports and from the many who are eager to see Long Lake flourish as a  community with diverse and inclusive recreational offerings.  This email is to affirm each of these as terrific reasons for you to support a new rowing facility but also to  appeal to the commission about the vital role that our parks and Long Lake/Orono's recreational offerings  contribute to the business well‐being of these and surrounding communities.   I have had the pleasure of being the CEO of three different organizations based here in the Twin Cities. When  it comes to retaining talent that already works in Minnesota and, in particular, relating to the challenge of  attracting and recruiting talent from around the nation to come work for us in Minnesota, I have routinely  touted the active, hearty Minnesota lifestyle and the beauty and inimitable charm and allure of our Minnesota  lakes. My work relates to worksite health promotion research and the relationship between healthy living and  worker engagement and productivity. The evidence that has amassed over the past two decades shows that  companies with robust health and well‐being offerings and opportunities regularly out perform those without  a focus on employee well‐being.   As I'm sure you already appreciate, recruiting top talent has gotten ever more difficult in a low unemployment  economy.  I anticipate you also know that the twin cities has a unique need for technical talent in the  healthcare, technology and food science fields as well as in our highly competitive universities. Related to this,  you may not know that rowing is one of those lifetime sports that appeals mightily to these kinds of  professionals who love to stretch themselves physically and emotionally as a way to keep in top mental shape  for their work demands.   My current role as a Fellow in a healthcare related think tank includes convening leaders from around the  nation who are committed to building private and public partnerships that improve community health.  Businesses are increasingly eager to engage with community leaders such as those of you serving on the Parks  Commission because they believe that healthy communities play a central role in growing healthy businesses.  Please don't hesitate to let me know if I can offer other information about the business benefits of supporting  sports facilities such as the rowing center you are considering for Long Lake.  With thanks for your work on behalf of the community.  Paul Terry  2     Paul Terry, PhD  Senior Fellow  952‐300‐6608           1 From:DeeAnn Stinebaugh <deeann.stinebaugh@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, February 27, 2020 2:38 PM To:Adam Edwards Cc:longlakerowing@gmail.com Subject:Orono Parks Commission Hello- As a resident of Orono, and a parent of a former junior rower from Long Lake Rowing Crew, I would like to show my support for the boat house on Long Lake. LLRC has brought the life long sport of rowing to our family and to our community. My daughters first experience with rowing was at the University of Minnesota during a summer camp. When she decided she wanted to pursue the sport we were thrilled to find a club in Long Lake. Long Lake is the perfect location for so many reasons, including the size of the beautiful lake and the supportive community. This boat house, a permanent home for LLRC would enable them to continue to serve the community by providing programming for all ages and all skill levels. It is a beautiful sport to watch and so many people have commented to me that they enjoy watching the rowers on the lake. LLRC not only provides fitness opportunities for all ages, they are conscientious in their use of the land and lake, and provide community service opportunities for their members. Please support the use of the land at Summit Park on Long Lake for LLRC. Best- DeeAnn Stinebaugh 1 From:Bianca Januik <Bianca@primroseplymouth.com> Sent:Friday, February 28, 2020 7:34 AM To:Adam Edwards Cc:longlakerowing@gmail.com Subject:Row Club Good Morning,  Although this email may be late, I wanted to take a moment to show our support of a permanent Boat House on Long  Lake. Long Lake is a wonderful lake, positioned in the middle of a community and as you know enjoyed be many  throughout the summer months. We fully support and encourage a permanent Boat House on the lake that would  encourage and provide many to take advantage of the many positive effects of rowing, as well as an additional reason to  enjoy the Lake and surrounding parks. Not only will this structure add volume to the Rowing Club but as I stated prior  the benefits that it would add to the community are abundant  and I am confident members of the area would take full  advantage of.   Thank you,  Bianca and Bob Januik  Area Residents   PARK COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM Prepared By: Reviewed By: Approved By: 1. Purpose. The purpose of this action is to get a Park Commission approval of the revised schedule for Park Commission meetings. 2. Background. At the January 2020 Park Commission Meeting the Commission expressed an interest in adjusting the commission meeting schedule. 3. Existing Calendar. Currently the Park Commission meets formally every other month except December and on the alternating months has a work session. Meetings are on the first Monday of the month. January February March Regular (6 PM) Work Session (1 PM) Regular (6 PM) April May June Work Session (1 PM) Regular (6 PM) Work Session (1 PM) July August September Regular (6 PM) Work Session Regular (6 PM) October November December Work Session (1 PM) Regular (6 PM) No Meeting 4. Proposed Calendar. The proposed meeting calendar consists of one regular meeting per quarter, one work session per quarter at 1PM and one work session per quarter at 6PM. The exception remains the fourth quarter when there is not a meeting in December. Meetings remain on the first Monday of the Month. January February March Work Session (1 PM) Work Session (6 PM) Regular (6 PM) April May June Work Session (1 PM) Work Session (6 PM) Regular (6 PM) July August September Work Session (1 PM) Work Session (6 PM) Regular (6 PM) October November December Work Session (1 PM) Regular (6 PM) No Meeting 5. Way Forward. If approved by the Commission the revised meeting calendar at Exhibit A will be provided to the City Council for adoption. COMMISSION ACTION REQUESTED Motion to approve the attached Draft 2020 Orono Official Meetings Calendar for consideration of adoption by the City Council. Exhibits A. Draft 2020 Orono Official Meetings Calendar B. 2020 Orono Official Meetings Calendar Item No.: 3 Date: March 2nd, 2020 Item Description: Park Commission Schedule Revision Presenter: Adam T. Edwards City Engineer / Director of Public Works Agenda Section: Chairman’s Report Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 2 3 4 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 29 30 31 Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 2 3 4 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 26 27 28 29 30 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31 Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 2 3 4 1 1 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 27 28 29 30 30 31 Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 *7 8 9 10 11 12 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31 * H E July August September January February March April May June 2020 Official Calendar approved on 11-12-19 by Motion of the City Council. Council Meeting w/ Truth in Taxation at 6:00 p.m. Park Commission Meeting at 6:00 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting at 6:00 p.m. Planning Commission Work Sessions Scheduled and Posted as Needed 5:30 p.m. October November December Park Commission Work Session at 6:00 p.m. Official Holidays Election Dates Park Commission Work Session at 1:00 p.m. Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m.Council Work Session at 5 p.m. CITY OF ORONO 2020 OFFICIAL MEETINGS CALENDAR Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 2 3 4 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 29 30 31 Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 2 3 4 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 26 27 28 29 30 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31 Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 2 3 4 1 1 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 27 28 29 30 30 31 Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 *7 8 9 10 11 12 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31 * H E April May June July August September October November December January February March Official Holidays Election Dates Park Commission Work Session at 1 p.m. Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m.Council Work Session at 5 p.m. 2020 Official Calendar approved on 11-12-19 by Motion of the City Council. Council Meeting w/ Truth in Taxation at 6:00 p.m. Park Commission Meeting at 6:00 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting at 6:00 p.m. Planning Commission Work Sessions Scheduled and Posted as Needed 5:30 p.m. CITY OF ORONO 2020 OFFICIAL MEETINGS CALENDAR