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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-05-2025 - Minutes - Park Commission - Regular MeetingMinutes Park Commission Regular Meeting Tuesday, August 5, 2025, 6:00 PM City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356 Chair Roath called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL The Orono Park Commission members present: Chair Brian Roath, Commissioners Janie Delaney, Mollie Reynolds, Michael Huddy, and Jacob Selseth. Commissioners Absent: Kim Carswell and Gordy Stofer. Staff present: Park Superintendent Joe Ruthenberg APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Huddy moved, Reynolds seconded, to approve the agenda for the Park Commission meeting as submitted. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. 1 May 6, 2025, Park Commission meeting minutes Roath moved, Huddy seconded, to approve the minutes of the May 6, 2025, Park Commission meeting as submitted. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. PUBLIC COMMENT None STAFF REPORT 2. Park Standard Assessment Update Ruthenberg updated the Parks Commission on the City Council's action on park signage and the recently conducted assessment of park needs for projects and improvements, including tree removal and replacement, benches, picnic tables, painting, trash recycling receptacles, and upgraded docks and playground equipment. Commissioners asked questions of staff, discussed timing and prioritizing, and indicated they would like to see additional signage at Big Island Park. They noted everything on the list is necessary, but it will come down to the order of work, and discussed which projects are larger and would need to be part of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) review. 3. Hackberry Parlc Updates Ruthenberg gave background on what had gone before in Hackberry Park planning, including an open house and survey for residents on the needs of the park. People were able to give feedback on three different concept plans. Survey comments led to an updated design. He said the goal was to have enough A concept design in place to apply for a grant by the Sept. 30 deadline. Commissioners said it would be important to look at existing versus design topographical contour lines, questioning if the public realizes how much of the park could be graded in the various plans. Page 1 of 2 Minutes Park Commission Regular Meeting Tuesday, August 5, 2025, 6:00 PM City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356 Commissioners liked natural features and trees and advocated for more conservative grading. Survey comments supported retaining the sledding hill and mentioned missing having an ice-skating rink. Commissioners were concerned about rushing the design. It was noted that the park is not a sports complex, but a neighborhood park that supports youth sports activities for younger kids. The consensus was to make the planned workshop meeting in September a special meeting so the neighbors and interested residents could be invited to attend for additional input, as the August 5 meeting conflicted with Night to Unite festivities. 4. Antoine Park Update Rothenberg reported that the Antoine Park plan is in the early stages, and a community open house was planned for August 20. There will also be a survey conducted. 5. Additional Park Commission Work Session Staff had proposed a work session on guiding documents planning for Tuesday, September 9. Commissioners also wished to have a special meeting with public input on Hackberry Park Reynolds moved, Selseth seconded, to have a Parks Commission work session at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, September 9, followed by a regular meeting on Hackberry Park at 6 p.m. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. 6. Tree Lighting Rothenberg reported that the holiday tree lighting is planned again this year, but requires soliciting donations, and City staff cannot do that. He iecommended forming an additional Parks subcommittee to help with tree lighting planning and fundraising. Commissioners said it may be time to review the format and location of the tree lighting and questioned the appropriateness of fireworks at the holidays. Several individuals expressed interest in a subcommittee. CHAIR REPORT Chair Roath gave a report. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS Commissioners reported on subcommittee activities. ADJOURNMENT Huddy moved, Reynolds seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 8:41 p.m. to September 9, 2025. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0. ATTEST: Page 2 of 2