HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-04-2025 - Agenda Packet Park Commission - Regular MeetingAgenda
Parks Commission Meeting
Tuesday, November 4, 2025, 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers | 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
952-249-4600 /oronomn.gov
Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Minutes
September 9th 2025 Park Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
Public Comment (limit 3 minutes per person)
For items not on the agenda. To add a comment, approach the podium, state your name and address.
Comments are limited to three (3) minutes. No action will be taken.
Presentations
Staff Report
Lake Access Orchard Beach Place
2026 Park Commission Meeting Dates
Chair Appointment Discussion
Chair Report
Commissioner Reports
Park Commission Guiding Principles
Vote to approve the final version of the Park Commission Guiding Principles
Adjournment
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Date: November 4, 2025 Item:
Presenter: Joe Ruthenberg, Superintendent - Parks, Facilities
Section: Approval of Minutes
Title: September 9th 2025 Park Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
1.Purpose:
Approve the Parks Commission Minutes
2.Park Commission Action Requested:
Approve the Parks Commission Regular Minutes from September 9th 2025.
AGENDA ITEM
Exhibits
09.09.2025 Parks Commission Meeting Minutes.docx
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Minutes
Park Commission Special Meeting
Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
Page 1 of 2
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 Kim Carswell, Mollie
Reynolds, Michael Huddy, and Jacob Selseth. Commissioners Absent: Janie Delaney and Gordy Stofer.
Staff present: City Administrator/Engineer Adam Edwards and Park Superintendent Joe Ruthenberg (left
at 6:25 p.m.)
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Reynolds moved, Selseth seconded, to approve the agenda for the Park Commission meeting as
submitted. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. August 5, 2025, Park Commission meeting minutes
Carswell moved, Huddy seconded, to approve the minutes of the August 5, 2025, Park Commission
meeting as submitted. VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Jay Nygard, 1386 Rest Point Road, provided comments.
STAFF REPORT
2. Hackberry Park Revitalization Project Design Update
Staff gave an update on the history of the development of Hackberry Park and the generation of proposals
for a revitalization project design that included a design committee and community engagement. If
funding comes together, it is estimated that the project could be scheduled for 2026.
Commissioners asked about the grading involved in the recommended plan and indicated Park
Commission sub-committee members were not yet completely comfortable with the plan as proposed.
Concerns include tree removal and speed on Willow Drive. Commissioners asked about parking and tree
health and removal, and drainage. They emphasized they would like the opportunity to give feedback to
the City Council prior to final action. They said the current plan feels backwards in that it went to the City
Council before the Park Commission. They requested that the item come back to the Park Commission
during the 60 percent design review phase. The Youth Sports grant deadline is Sept 30, which in part
drove the pace of the proposal. It was pointed out that survey feedback was to protect what is there and
include the playground, ballfields, and sliding hill with space for quiet use and a multi-purpose field.
Youth ballfields were given a lesser priority in the survey. Commissioners asked about how specific it is
necessary to be in the grant application, as the uses and age groups to be served need to be included. The
grant application will focus on having two baseball fields and a multi-purpose field, not parking or other
uses.
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Minutes
Park Commission Special Meeting
Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 6:00 PM
City Council Chambers 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
Page 2 of 2
CHAIR REPORT
Roath reported Park Commissioner Rick Carter had submitted his resignation and thanked him for his
seven years of service. Carter was still on the Commission as an alternate.
COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS
Carswell reported on the Monarch Pledge and that the City Council had approved passing out seeds at the
City Fall Clean-up Day. Pollinator gardens are planned near the flagpole and monument sign at City Hall
in the spring.
Selseth and Huddy reported on park visits and updating access points.
ADJOURNMENT
Huddy moved, Carswell seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 7:38 p.m. to November 4, 2025.
VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 0.
ATTEST:
_________________________________________
Brian Roath, Chair
4
Date: November 4, 2025 Item:
Presenter: Joe Ruthenberg, Superintendent - Parks, Facilities
Section: Staff Report
Title: Lake Access Orchard Beach Place
1.Purpose:
Make a recommendation to council to mark the lake access point at Orchard Beach Place.
2.Background:
The lake access point located a on Orchard Beach Place was identified for marking in a 2014 study
and again in 2021 to avoid future encroachment. In 2022 the parks lake access sub-committee
recommended the site for marking. If marked the city, council and parks commission should look
for improvements to this site with ease of access and amenities.
3.Staff Recommendation:
Recommend bringing a resolution to council to adding lake access markings and signage at the
lake access point on Orchard Beach Place.
4.Park Commission Action Requested:
Make a recommendation to council to approve a resolution to mark the lake access point at
Orchard Beach Place.
AGENDA ITEM
Exhibits
Orchard Beach Place Map.pdf
Orchard Beach Place.jpg
Orchard Beach Place 2.jpg
Orchard Beach Place 3.jpg
Orchard Beach Place 4.jpg
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Date: November 4, 2025 Item:
Presenter: Joe Ruthenberg, Superintendent - Parks, Facilities
Section: Staff Report
Title: 2026 Park Commission Meeting Dates
1.Purpose:
To discuss and recommend meeting dates of the commission for 2026.
2.Summary:
Proposed meeting dates for the commission are as follows.
Maintain Tuesday meeting dates
Work sessions; January 6th, April 7th, June 2nd, and October 6th.
Regular meeting dates: February 3rd, May 5th, August 3rd (Monday to not conflict with National
Night Out), and November 3rd.
Switch to Monday meeting dates
Work sessions; January 5th, April 6th, June 1st, and October 5th.
Regular meeting dates: February 2nd, May 4th, August 3rd, and November 2nd.
3.Park Commission Action Requested:
Vote to approve one of the two proposed meeting dates for recommendation to the city council.
AGENDA ITEM
Exhibits
2026 Official Meetings Calendar-Draft parks Tue.pdf
2026 Official Meetings Calendar-Draft parks com monday.pdf
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H Official Holiday
2026 Official Calendar
Park Commission 6:00 p.m. (Work Sessions Scheduled and Posted as Needed)
Council Meeting 6:00 p.m.Council Work Session 5:00 p.m.
Council Meeting w/ Truth in Taxation 6:00 p.m.
Park Commission Meeting 6:00 p.m.
Planning Commission Meeting 6:00 p.m.
Planning Commission 5:00 p.m. (Work Sessions Scheduled and Posted as Needed)
October November December
July August September
January February March
April May June
CITY OF ORONO
2026 OFFICIAL MEETINGS CALENDAR
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H Official Holiday
2026 Official Calendar
Park Commission 6:00 p.m. (Work Sessions Scheduled and Posted as Needed)
Council Meeting 6:00 p.m.Council Work Session 5:00 p.m.
Council Meeting w/ Truth in Taxation 6:00 p.m.
Park Commission Meeting 6:00 p.m.
Planning Commission Meeting 6:00 p.m.
Planning Commission 5:00 p.m. (Work Sessions Scheduled and Posted as Needed)
October November December
July August September
January February March
April May June
CITY OF ORONO
2026 OFFICIAL MEETINGS CALENDAR
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Date: November 4, 2025 Item:
Presenter: Joe Ruthenberg, Superintendent - Parks, Facilities
Section: Staff Report
Title: Chair Appointment Discussion
1.Purpose:
The Parks Commission should discuss and make a recommendation for a Chair and Vice Chair for
2026.
2.Background:
Historically, the commission would make a recommendation to the council. The Council sets all
appointments for the upcoming year at its December Council Meeting.
3.Staff Recommendation:
The Commission should discuss the positions of Chair and Vice Chair for 2026
4.Planning Commission Action Requested:
Motion to recommend a Chair and Vice Chair to the City Council for Consideration.
AGENDA ITEM
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Date: November 4, 2025 Item:
Presenter: Joe Ruthenberg, Superintendent - Parks, Facilities
Section: Commissioner Reports
Title: Park Commission Guiding Principles
1.Purpose:
Vote to adopt and approve a final version of the Parks Commission Guiding Principles.
2.Park Commission Action Requested:
Vote to adopt and approve a final version of the Parks Commission Guiding Principles.
AGENDA ITEM
Exhibits
Orono Parks Commission Guiding Principles FINAL.pptx
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Orono Parks Commission
Final version of guiding principles
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Our goals for today is to share and get your input
●Revisit the mission and vision for Orono
●Propose the revised document based on commissioner input
●Clarify our role
●Propose a future work plan
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Looking forward/Next Steps
September 9 Commission Working Session
Shared approach and got input from commission
October 7 Commission working session
Share updated document and adopt Guiding Principles, Statement of Purpose, and future work
November Park commission meeting
Vote to accept document
November City Council Meeting (or later depending on agendas)
Present Guiding Principles, Statement of Purpose, and new work to Council
January Commission
Build 2026 goals
February Commission
Finalize 2026 goals 3
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City of Orono MISSION
The City of Orono will provide effective guidance through public policy established from citizen
involvement,by empowering staff to implement best practices and to prepare Orono for any challenges of
the future and by ensuring a positive customer experience, superior municipal services and provide a safe
community for the residents, businesses and customers to live work and play in.
City of Orono VISION
To be the residential community of choice and remain widely recognized for the preservation of natural
beauty, quality of life and recreational assets.
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Orono's Mission and Vision will be our North Star when
vetting ideas and bringing recommendations to the City
Council for input and approval
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Park Commission Guiding Principles in support of the City of
Orono DRAFT
•Effective Guidance
•Maintain safe, accessible and high quality of standards for our parks and lake access points
•Invest in, protect and take care of what we have today
•Ground our decisions using good judgment employing accurate data and robust discussion
•Citizen Involvement
•Endeavor to bring our citizens together to facilitate connections, wellbeing, understanding diversity and peace
•Our parks reflect the diversity of Orono citizen needs
•Challenges of the Future
•Have a future focus to planning that incorporates sustainability
•Residential Community of Choice
•Plan for the short and long term
•Serve the needs of our residents and community's active sports
•Widely Recognized for the Preservation of Natural Beauty, Quality of Life and Recreational Assets
•Balance decisions that impact Orono’s natural/rural footprint when considering the addition of hardscape and outdoor
acitivities 5
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Park Commission Statement of Purpose
Representing all Orono citizens, the Park Commission advises City Council and staff on
matters related to city parks and trails, including natural areas and recreation assets.
The two primary areas of focus for the work are:
1) advise regarding park development and acquisition,
and
2) ensure the quality and condition of parks meets high standards.
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Duties of Park Commissioners per the city website (EXISTING)
●The Park Commission serves as a volunteer advisory body to the city. Its role is to study,
evaluate, and provide recommendations on the community’s ongoing needs for parks,
recreational areas, and facilities.
●The commission's responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
○Assessing current and future needs for parks, trails, and recreational facilities of all
kinds.
○Considering issues related to public use of Lake Minnetonka and other lakes within
the city.
○Reviewing concerns involving shoreline access, use, and preservation.
○While the commission does not make final decisions, it plays a critical role in advising
the City Council by gathering public input, studying challenges and opportunities,
and recommending actions that balance recreation, environmental protection, and
community enjoyment.
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Proposed New Work DRAFT
●Establish Park Standards○By Park Type and lake access○Discussed at May Parks meeting○Ensures consistency for Annual Reviews
●Annual Review Process○Compile a catalog of annual reviews of all Orono parks○Present to City Council to better inform them on the current condition of our parks○Complete by July as input for budget process and prioritization○
●Complete Long-term Plans for Every Park○2026-27 project○Consider developing a mission/vision for each park○Review annually
●Identify and assess opportunities for new spaces for new parks
●Develop and execute a survey of residents
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Roles and Responsibilities: Parks vs. Staff
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Role
Who
How
Daily Maintenance
Staff
Established
routines
Ensuring the
Quality of our parks
Commission & Staff
1)Employ
Standards
2)Annual Review
Development and
Acquisition
Commission & Staff
1)Long term Plans
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Looking forward/Next Steps
September 9 Commission Working Session
Shared approach and got input from commission
October 7 Commission working session
Share updated document and adopt Guiding Principles, Statement of Purpose, and future work
November Park commission meeting
Vote to accept document
November City Council Meeting (or later depending on agendas)
Present Guiding Principles, Statement of Purpose, and new work to Council
January Commission
Build 2026 goals
February Commission
Finalize 2026 goals 10
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