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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-05-2017 Park Commission Minutes MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, September 5,2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. ROLL CALL The Orono Park Commission met on the above-mentioned date with the following members present: Chair Rick Meyers, Commissioners Jan Berg, Beth Davis, Bryce Johnson, and Julie Ruegemer. Representing Staff were City Administrator Dustin Rief, Community Development Director Jeremy Barnhart, Public Works Director/City Engineer Adam Edwards, and Recorder Jackie Young. Mayor Dennis Walsh was present. Commissioner Natalie Williams arrived at 6:35 p.m. Chair Meyers called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. MAY 1,2017,PARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Meyers requested the minutes be corrected to read Beth Davis rather than Beth Meyers. Johnson moved,Berg seconded,to approve the May 1,2017, minutes of the Orono Park Commission meeting as amended. VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 0. 2. AUGUST 7,201,PARK COMMISSION WORK SESSION MINUTES Berg moved,Johnson seconded,to approve the August 7,2017, minutes of the Orono Park Commission work session as submitted. VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 0. PRESENTATION 2a. EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT BRIEFING FOR LURTON PARK Jason Brew, Boy Scout Troop 206, addressed the Parks Commission regarding his Eagle Scout project to create a dog agility course at Lurton Park. Brew stated the agility course would do the following: 1. Allow the dogs to exercise and socialize safely; 2. Promote responsible dog ownership; 3. Provide an outlet for dog owners to socialize and; 4. Create a better community by promoting public health and safety. Brew displayed a map depicting the proposed site for the dog agility course and a similar dog agility system to what he is proposing. The cost of the project would be approximately $1,500. Brew stated he has received committee approval from his Boy Scout troop and that he is looking for approval from the Orono Parks Commission. Brew stated he would like to start the project in late September. Johnson commented it would be a nice feature to the park. Ruegemer asked where the funding would come from. Brew indicated he is asking the City for the funding. Page 1 of 14 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, September 5,2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. Edwards stated the City would be providing the materials and the Boy Scouts would provide the labor. Brew stated Troop 206 and others will be doing the project. Meyers asked whether the City would provide all the materials. Edwards indicated the City has done that in the past for Eagle Scout projects and that they would do that in this case. Meyers asked if it will be fabricated off site and assembled at the park. Brew indicated it will be. Ruegemer asked if any maintenance will be required throughout the year. Edwards stated the City will do the maintenance after it is installed. Meyers indicated he discussed with Commissioner Johnson and Adam Edwards about using more natural looking materials rather than plastic. Meyers stated it is his understanding the materials will be treated pine. Edwards indicated it will be pressure treated materials and that it should blend in with the fencing and the other items at the park. Meyers noted plastic is very expensive and that using treated wood will reduce the costs. Meyers • suggested the agility system be moved further up the hill to avoid all the activity near the gate. Meyers stated it is likely the City will need to level that area to accommodate the agility course. Williams moved,Ruegemer seconded,to approve the dog agility system for Lurton Park. VOTE: Ayes 6,Nays 0. PUBLIC COMMENTS None STAFF REPORTS 3. DOCK DISPOSITION AT CARMAN AND FREDERICK STREETS Edwards stated the City did receive a request from a neighboring resident to have the dock permanently removed from the access point located at Carman and Frederick Streets. The dock sits on a 30-foot wide city-owned access. According to the Comprehensive Plan, it is listed as a fishing dock and it is also used by boaters for temporary access on and off the lake with no overnight storage of items. Last fall Staff did receive notice from that neighbor stating that no one was using the dock. As an experiment, Staff did not put the dock out in the spring but the City started receiving calls asking about the dock. As a result,the Public Works Department did install the dock this year. Page 2 of 14 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, September 5,2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. Edwards noted the Park Commission decided to remove docks at City-owned beaches in 2014 as a safety precaution because of the mixture of swimmers and boats in the same area. Meyers stated he will open the meeting up for public comment but noted that the Parks Commission is just an advisory board and that a final decision will not be made this evening. Meyers noted the person who made the request is not present this evening but that he has submitted a letter and that the Parks Commission is interested in hearing both sides of the story. Brendan Ohlcheske, 3580 Frederick Street, stated he and his family moved to their property about five years ago and that the dock was a big draw for him and his son. Ocheske stated while it may not seem like the dock has gotten a lot of use, it has,but that the neighbors have been very conscientious of the neighbor and make it a point to be quiet. Ohlcheske stated the dock is a focal point of the neighborhood and that it gives the nearby residents the ability to go boating and kayaking. The neighbors understand there is no overnight docking. Ohlcheske expressed concern that there have never been any guidelines for use of the dock or property markings of what is public versus private or the hours of use posted. Ohlcheske stated in his view a discussion among the neighbors would help resolve some of the complaints and that he personally has not received any documentation of the complaints. Ohlcheske stated the dock is a very important feature to the neighborhood because it allows them to launch water craft, which is not the easiest to do currently due to the rip-rap that has been placed there. Ohlcheske stated he believes the rip-rap is a continuation of the neighbor's shoreline. There is also a picnic table and parking near the access. Ohlcheske stated he can understand why the City does not want everybody in the community down there, but that some marking of what is private versus public would be very helpful and that he would like to see the dock remain. Janet Roberts, 2454 Casco Point Road, stated the dock was one of the reasons they purchased their house 24 years ago and that they have used the dock the entire time they have lived there. Roberts noted the riprap was not there originally and that the beach used to be sandy. People also could not drive all the way down but they could drive in a short ways. Roberts stated they do not ask for much except for a dock to be able to enjoy the lake. Jeremy Stewart stated he and his family have lived in this area about a year and a half, and that when they purchased the property, one of the listed selling features for the property was the dock. Stewart stated the access point was one of the things they considered when purchasing the property but that they have not used it all that much because they are not familiar with the rules and it is unclear where the neighbor's property starts and stops. Stewart stated in regard to the letter that was submitted, he can clear up the issue about the dog. Stewart indicated the previous day he had spent the entire night at an emergency vet hospital and that it was his birthday the next day. Stewart stated he and his family were out on a pontoon that day and that he became worried about his dog so he ran into the house to check on her. Stewart stated he knew from the neighbors that the adjacent property owner did not want boats parked there so he hurried back with his dogs. Stewart stated because he was in a hurry, he did not put one of his dogs on the leash and that the neighbor's dog came over and his dog yipped at him. Stewart indicated he did apologize to the neighbor Page 3 of 14 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday,September 5,2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. and then left. Stewart stated the neighbor never talked to him about it after that so he did not think it was a big deal. Duane Lewcheski, 2454 Casco Point Road, stated he has a boat and uses the dock. Lewcheski stated as far as complaints go, if he is there with his boat, he is not there more than ten minutes, but at times he and his grandkids will play down there. Lewcheski stated he did not know there was a five minute limit but that he has seen somebody's boat there for half a day. In regards to the complaints about parking, Lewcheski stated in the last two years there has been 100 different cars associated with the construction of two new houses and the neighborhood had busloads of people coming in to look at the homes. Lewcheski stated that went on for quite some time but has quieted down. Lewcheski stated no parking signs might be helpful if there are complaints about cars. Lewcheski stated the previous property owner at 3555 sodded the access point over and took the trees out probably 20 years ago. At one time there was a road there, which is depicted on the maps. There currently is no access down there. Ryan Schultz, 2455 Carman Street, stated at one time there was a gravel road all the way down to the beach and that as far as he knows, the Bradys or the City sodded it over at some point. In addition, any signage that was up there is now gone. Schultz stated the Bradys actually put no trespassing signs up. Schultz indicated he does have a boat, but since his mom lives on the lake, he doesn't have to use the dock. Schultz stated his fiancée uses the dock with her paddleboard and that it is a nice access and amenity to have for the neighbors. Schultz stated in approximately 2004-2005, when they built the new house at 3555,the road went away, the area was sodded, and the owners told everyone to stay off of that area. Schultz commented it has been an ongoing thing with the Bradys since he moved in. Meyers asked if this is considered a fire lane. Edwards indicated it is a fire lane/lake access point. Meyers stated to his understanding the City has around 30 different access points. Janet Malik, 2469 Carman Street, stated one of the things on the sales flyer when they purchased their house in 2002 was public access to the lake and a community dock. Malik stated Orono and Lake Minnetonka have an image that it is just about rich people and mansions, but her experience has been that it is actually about a variety of people in the neighborhood who can live together. Malik stating sharing these wonderful public amenities are what makes the neighborhood special to her. Joe Bluth, 2447 Carman Street, stated he purchased this property as a retirement home. Bluth stated the beauty of this area is that he is able to come up from Mankato with his friends and go to Excelsior, Wayzata, and the Red Rooster. Bluth indicated he launches at Spring Lake Park and get off at Carman Bay. Bluth stated the dock should not be taken away and it should be available for everyone. Mark Palmer, 2450 Carman Street, stated he actually lives on the lake and has his own dock but that they cannot go swimming off his shoreline given the mucky bottom. Palmer stated he has known the Bradys since they moved in and that they are nice people. Palmer stated pretty much since day one the Bradys have done everything they can to keep people away from the dock. Page 4 of 14 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, September 5,2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. Palmer stated he has lived here 19 years and that there was a little gravel road down there. Palmer indicated he uses that area to go swimming and that his dog and the Brady's dog get along and they play together down there. Palmer stated he believes the Bradys were the ones who sodded it over and started removing the trees. The police got involved at one point because the Bradys started to place their boat lift on the access, which forced some of the neighbors to go onto Brady's land or the land to the left with their snowmobiles. In addition,there was a big garden there and they did not want people driving over that. As a result, people were going over onto the Brady side of the 30-foot access. Palmer stated the neighbors did not have a choice since he had placed his boat lift on the access point and that the police informed the Bradys that they had to remove it or allow people to go over their land. In addition,there was no parking signage that was erected at one time. Palmer noted the Bradys knew when they bought the house that there would be a small amount of traffic going down there but since that time they have made it inconvenient for the neighbors to use. Natalye Chernerskaya, 2490 Casco Point Road, stated she has lived here since 2007, and that it is such a nice access to the lake. Chernerskaya stated they now have two kayaks and two paddle boats and use the access quite regularly. Chernerskaya indicated she does more paddle boating than kayaking since she can carry the paddle board down three houses and go down to the dock. Chernerskaya commented it is a great access for the neighborhood and that she has never had any problems with the Bradys. Chernerskaya noted there was a gravel road down there at one point and now it is grass. Chernerskaya stated it looks nicer but that in her view there should be some type of marking of the property lines. Peter Bluth, 2413 Carman Street, stated he attended a meeting in approximately 2014 when the City decided to pull the docks from the beaches. The City at that time also wanted to pull this dock and the neighbors showed up for that meeting. Bluth noted Carman Street was the only street that had representatives at that meeting and that they were able to convince the City to leave the dock as a day dock for boating and fishing. Bluth stated the nature of the Bradys' complaint is not valid. Mark Palmer, 2450 Carman Street, stated it is his understanding it is supposed to be a day dock and that he has never heard of the five minute limit. Palmer indicated he understood there was no overnight parking. Palmer stated he also is not sure if it is the City or who it is but the access point gets plowed up with snow several feet high in the front, which means the snowmobilers have to trespass to get around it. Michael Malik, 2469 Carman Street, stated the gravel road on the public access was actually part of a driveway for a tuck-under garage. Malik stated when the City would do its snowplowing, they would go eastbound on Frederick and stop and then they would go around the street and come down Carman. The snow would then get pushed down towards the lake. As it relates to the parking, there would occasionally be a car there but no one ever complained. Malik stated two cars cannot park next to each other on Carman Street or they would be completely blocking the street. Malik stated what he heard was when the Bradys had the house redone, part of the condition was that they had to sod the access point and take care of it because their house was too close to the public access. Malik stated he has had his issues with Tim Brady but the idea of having the dock taken out really ticks him off. Page 5 of 14 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday,September 5,2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. There were no further public comments. Davis asked if the police have been called a number of times and what the main complaint is from the Bradys. Edwards stated the only complaints the City has received are what are outlined in the letter and that he is not aware of any police calls to the area. Berg asked how long the dock has been there. Janet Roberts stated it has been there at least 28 years. Edwards stated he does not have a record of that but that it is listed in the Comprehensive Plan, which is over ten years old. Meyers noted the City has a number of fire lanes around the lake and that the City allows the neighbors to take care of the area but not the right to own it. The neighbors, however, cannot tell people they cannot use it because it is not their property. Meyers stated to his knowledge the City has received no complaints from the other new residents in the neighborhood. Meyers stated the City did take the docks out of the swimming areas because it did not make sense to have people swimming and boating in the same area. Meyers commented it sounds like most of the neighbors get along and use the dock correctly but that he can see where overnight dock storage can become an issue. Meyers noted Mr. Brady is not here to discuss his case but that he can see how someone might get upset if there is inappropriate behavior occurring down there. Meyers stated he appreciates the comments of the neighbors and that the Parks Commission will look into the situation and attempt to come up with a solution. Johnson stated since he has been on the Parks Commission,the issue with the lake access points has not come up. Johnson indicated he did look at the property on Hennepin County's interactive map and saw that there was not a PID number and that there was a road at one time. Johnson stated the website also did not indicate who the owner of this piece of property was. Johnson suggested the Parks Commission look at this fire lane as well as the other fire lanes in the City. Edwards noted it is a platted right-of-way so there will not be a PID number for it. Edwards stated there are four fire lanes in the City that have a dock at them and then 30-plus fire lanes that have some type of access to the lake. As it relates to access, some are just summer access and some are strictly winter access. Johnson stated he heard a lot of people saying there were no regulations and that it might be appropriate to look at that and put something down in writing. Johnson commented it is clear to him that this is an amenity that the neighborhood appreciates and that he would like the rules to be more formalized. Johnson stated he understands why the neighbors would not want it listed as a public dock access but that in his view the confusion over the access point should be removed. Edwards noted the majority of the City's active access points have a City sign erected or rules posted. Edwards stated it is his understanding there has been signs posted at the access point and at times they Page 6 of 14 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, September 5,2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. disappear. The Public Works Department, however, has not actively in the last ten years tried to re-sign it. Ruegemer stated in her view it has been brought to light that the property lines do need to be marked and the rules clearly stated. Williams stated she agrees there is a reason why there is public access to Lake Minnetonka, which is why a number of the residents have moved here, and that there needs to be rules and regulations and a common understanding of that space. Janet Malik stated she knows the City has very strict rules regarding hardcover and that there have been a few things that they have wanted to do but were not able to. Malik stated she does not know if there are any limitations on whether the Bradys could install a fence along the property but that they could perhaps screen their property a little bit. Malik stated in her view private properties adjoining a public access should have the ability to create some screening. Denise Ohlcheske, 3580 Frederick Street, stated to her knowledge there has not been any reported violations to the police and that the neighbors are very respectful of the Bradys' property and the rules of the dock. Meyers asked what the hours of a day dock are. Edwards indicated per City ordinance,the dock areas are closed between 10 p.m. and sunrise the next morning. Meyers asked if it has a 5-minute limit. Edwards stated under the ordinance, it is unlawful to dock any watercraft except for the temporary purpose of boarding and discharging passengers and not any dock within a swim beach. Edwards stated the intent of the ordinance as written is that people can use it temporarily to load people on and off a boat. Meyers stated theoretically people could park a boat on either side of the dock for some period of time. Ruegemer commented that does not sound like that is the issue here. Meyers stated it sounds like that has not been done, but according to Mr. Brady's letter,there has been overnight docking there. Ruegemer noted Mr. Brady or someone also indicated to Staff that the dock was never used, which was not true. Meyers stated he is interested in hearing both sides of the story. Meyers stated the City needs to be clear on what the rules and regulations are and that they will need to look into this more. Meyers stated he personally does not have a problem with the dock if it is regulated well and used politely by the neighbors. If there are problems that exist,the City will need to look into those as well. Meyers stated if there is not parking there, it may be more of an amenity to the neighborhood and not for the general public. Meyers stated he also is not sure the City would tell Mr. Brady that he can sod the area and that one of the first things the City should do is delineate the area. Page 7 of 14 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday,September 5,2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. Edwards indicated the City has done surveys in other areas to delineate the fire lanes. Meyers asked whether Mr. Brady could put up a fence or some hedging down to the lake. Barnhart indicated there is a setback from the lake but that they can put a fence up to a certain height down to the lake. Barnhart noted the City does not regulate vegetation. Ruegemer stated in her view the City should do something to mark the area and that Mr. Brady would be free to do what he wants. Johnson stated in his view the Parks Commission has heard enough comments in support of the dock and that it should remain. Johnson stated this is a great example where the City could establish some rules, which then could be used at some of the other access points. Johnson moved,Williams seconded,to recommend the dock remain in its current location and that the access point be surveyed and delineated,with the understanding that the Parks Commission will look at developing a set of recommendations for how to regulate and designate areas like this for public access on the lake. VOTE: Ayes 6,Nays 0. Meyers noted this is the Parks Commission's recommendation to the City Council and that they will be making the final decision 4. COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT PLAN 2040 UPDATE Barnhart stated the purpose of tonight's action is to formally introduce the Comprehensive Plan process to the Parks Commission. Barnhart noted he informally discussed it at the last Parks Commission work session. The City is required to update the Comprehensive Plan every ten years and the next update is due by December of 2018. Updating the Comprehensive Plan involves reviewing of the 2008 plan, which includes identifying changes in policy or direction, updating information, and potentially changing goals and objectives of the Parks Commission, Planning Commission, and City Council. Barnhart indicated he would like the Parks Commission to take a look at the Comprehensive Plan relating to parks,trails, and recreation and then provide their recommendations. The Comprehensive Plan must include a Parks and Trails chapter and, at a minimum, the Parks and Trails chapter must include the following: 1. Describe, map, and label the Regional Parks System facilities that are located in the Orono community. 2. Describe, map, and label the federal and state recreational lands within the Orono community. 3. Depict existing regional parkland with a land use of"Park on Orono's existing Land Use map. 4. Acknowledge the Council-approved master plan boundaries of regional parks, park reserves, and special recreation features by guiding the properties with a land use of"Park"on the City's Future Land Use map. Page 8 of 14 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, September 5,2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. 5. Describe and map Orono's existing and proposed local parks,trails, and recreation facilities. 6. Include a capital improvement program for parks and open space facilities as part of the implementation program. Barnhart indicated on the screen is a depiction of some of the regional trails. The System Statement denotes the Lake Minnetonka Islands Regional Park(Big Island), Baker Park Reserve, and Norenberg Gardens. The Lake Independence Regional Trail is depicted as well as the Luce Line. The City's System Statement also talks about potential connections or extensions and requires the City to identify a potential for trail extensions. Barnhart noted there is a planned extension of Lake Independence Trail south likely following some portion of Shadywood Road to connect to the Dakota Trail. Already identified in the City's Comprehensive Plan are trails, park preserves, and special park features. Barnhart stated the focus of the Parks Commission should be a review of the policies and goals that can be incorporated in the Comprehensive Plan. Barnhart noted he also provided a copy of the Parks Open Space Plan. The first 25 pages describe the parks in the City. The main area of focus will be to review the policies and goals included in that plan and then come back with any recommendations ideally by February of 2018. Those recommendations will be submitted to the advisory committee for review. Johnson stated it struck him that there were two things the Parks Commission may need when doing this review. The first one is to identify where the existing easements that have been granted in the past are located so the Parks Commission has an idea of where there are gaps. Johnson commented he understands it would take some doing to see where those easements have been granted but that in his view it would be extremely helpful for long-range planning of the trail system. Johnson noted he and Commissioner Brenda Johnson had offered to help do that and that this is the time it should be put together. Johnson stated the second thing he would like to see happen is another survey conducted to obtain input from the public. Meyers noted the Lakeview Legacy Park is a privately funded public park and it should be listed since it is Orono open space. Meyers indicated he is in agreement with the survey and the need to clean up some of the language as well as identifying the current easements. Meyers stated the trail system is probably the most long-term feature and the City should make every effort to connect the parks and trails and have a unified system. Meyers stated some of the City's ultimate goals are to have a trail along County Road 19, a trail on Willow, and a trail connection on Orono Orchard Road. Meyers suggested the Park Commissioners review the Comprehensive Plan prior to the next work session and then they discuss any suggested changes at the work session. Meyers recommended the Parks Commission also make a motion recommending the City Council authorize another survey. Barnhart stated as it relates to the easements, up on the screen is a map of the City's trail system. The red lines depict existing trails and the yellow lines are potential connections. At the time of development, the City typically will require a trail easement. Page 9 of 14 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday,September 5,2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. Meyers asked if the yellow lines depict trails that could be constructed tomorrow if the City had the money. Barnhart stated those were goals identified in the 2008 Comprehensive Plan. Barnhart pointed out the Orono Preserve property on the overhead. Barnhart stated when that project came through,there was quite a bit of discussion about whether a trail easement should be granted. The Council at that time recognized that if they do not acquire an easement at the time of development, it would be very difficult to get one later. In addition, an easement along the Eisinger property was granted. Barnhart stated he would recommend that if there is a trail easement that is vital, the Parks Commission identify that. Barnhart stated Staff can spend the resources to go through the files to see if there is an easement but that in his view it would be more beneficial for the Parks Commission to identify potential trails or connections. Meyers stated he is more interested in trail connections and that the Parks Commission should look into that. Meyers stated one of the biggest goals is to make the connection between the Luce Line and the Dakota Trail. Johnson stated he thought perhaps the minutes would show when and where easements were granted. Barnhart stated an easement is recorded against the property and that Staff would have to go through file by file to see whether an easement exists. Barnhart recommended the Parks Commission identify the trail and then Staff could see whether easements exist. Barnhart stated the survey would help identify areas where there is interest in a trail. The survey would also provide support for the trail. Rief stated in the City he was at previously, they were able to obtain over a 10 percent engagement by utilizing social media. Rief stated one of the things he has seen in other cities is a huge demand for trails, which they will likely see in this area,and that the Comprehensive Plan is kind of the Parks Commission wish list. Meyers noted ten years ago Orono did not have the Dakota Trail, which increased bicyclists in the area ten-fold, and that in his view there is a big demand for trails. Williams asked how the survey was administered. Rief indicated it was all done on Facebook and online and they spent less than $100. Ruegemer moved,Berg seconded,to recommend that the City Council consider conducting a citizens survey regarding parks,trails and recreation as part of the Comprehensive Plan Update. VOTE: Ayes 6,Nays 0. 5. PUBLIC WORKS PARKS UPDATE Edwards reported on the following items: Page 10 of 14 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, September 5,2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. • The golf course master plan is underway • The full time parks golf course supervisor position was approved • Under the preliminary budget an increase of$5,000 has been included for minor projects. The Parks Commission's total budget is now projected to be $15,000 for 2018. • Replaced well pump at golf course • Drainage improvement at golf course on#9 was performed • The trail rehabilitation project along Willow is scheduled to start in the next couple of weeks Meyers stated completion of the golf course master plan is exciting and that it contains recommendations for improving the golf course, such as implementing lawn bowling. Meyers noted golf courses that offer liquor or beer and wine tend to do better,which is something the City could consider. Meyers stated the Parks Commission is also not against charging a fee for certain activities and that the fees would allow the City to offer additional activities or services. Williams stated she just spent $350 to host a birthday party at a venue and that she kept thinking how great a warming hut or a venue at the golf course would be very nice to have for those types of events. Meyers noted the Orono Golf Course will be celebrating its+591h anniversary in the near future. \Gk-\• CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 6. LURTON PARK UPDATE Meyers reported he and Commissioner Johnson walked the small dog area at Lurton Park today to discuss the possibility of doing some work there. Meyers stated he would like to get both Boy Scout projects on track, and that while the Public Works Department does a great job of doing things when they can, he would like to create a better timeline to get some of these projects done. Meyers indicated a private contractor will help expedite the process and would probably be under$5,000. Meyers stated the City has people wanting to do different items at the parks and that he wants to be able to proceed forward with those projects in a timely fashion. Johnson commented the dog agility project would also make the small dog park area more useable and expand it. Johnson stated he would like to get a recommendation from the Parks Commission to have a separate account for the funds from the permits created so that when there are improvements to the park, there would be a source of funds. Meyers stated he would also like to erect a sign saying"Your Dog Park Fees at Work" by any projects at parks to let the people know that their money is going for a good purpose. Meyers stated he would like the funds to be able to be used at other parks. Johnson stated in his view the permit fees should go towards improvements at the dog park. Johnson moved to recommend that a separate account be set up for the permit fees so they are readily identifiable. Ruegemer asked if he wanted the money to go into a fund that would be put back only into the dog park. Page 11 of 14 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, September 5,2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. Johnson stated he is content to put it into a separate fund and leave it at that for now. Johnson stated the paver project is an improvement at the park that the residents were requesting to help deal with the mud. Johnson stated engraving the pavers would help raise additional funds and would provide an opportunity for the dog owners to memorialize and honor their pets. Edwards stated he did speak with the finance director about the separate fund and that there are some rules that need to be followed in connection with donations but that it is doable. Meyers asked whether the Parks Commission could simply recommend that the City explore that option. Edwards stated first they would need to establish a mechanism for the donations to be used at the park. Edwards indicated there is money in the budget to do the paver project, and if the Parks Commission wants to take the second step and create a donation policy program for engraving those pavers, they can do that as well. Edwards stated it is just a matter of using the right language and following the correct procedure. Johnson stated his motion was just with respect to the accounting so it would be clarified. Johnson asked whether the City Council has to approve the paver project. Edwards stated the pavers are going in next week and are part of normal park upkeep. Edwards stated if the Parks Commission wants to then take that asset and turn it into a donation process, there needs to be a written, formal process. Meyers asked whether the Parks Commission is also in agreement to do the tree work. Edwards indicated that is part of the normal maintenance of the park and that the new park supervisor can go out and solicit quotes to do that work. Ruegemer seconded the motion. VOTE: Ayes 6 Nays 0. Mayor Walsh asked how many permits have been issued. Meyers reported 450 permits have been issued, which amounts to approximately $12,000. Rief asked if the permits are issued on a 12-month basis. Meyers stated they are looking at implementing a prorated fee for someone who might purchase a fee after June. Edwards indicated Staff has been discussing that and that the City has a similar process for other things. Edwards noted the City Council will be looking at the fee schedule in January to set the fees for the upcoming year. Rief stated he would recommend, based on the success of Lurton Park,that the Parks Commission look at creating a smaller alternate dog park perhaps on the south side of the City as part of their review of the Comprehensive Plan. 7. SAGA HILLS UPDATE Page 12 of 14 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, September 5,2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. Edwards reported the initial round of tree removal and invasive weed spraying has been completed. Edwards indicated there will likely be some additional spraying and perhaps a controlled burn. Seeding of the area will occur next spring. Meyers commented there are a number more trees to be removed, and if the Public Works Department has the time,they can do it,but that it is difficult to maintain a timeline since they do the work when they have the time. Meyers stated he would like to get the project done, especially if there is money available to do it. SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS 8. COMMISSIONERS UPDATES Navarre Park Grant Ruegemer reported she and Commissioner Williams are working on a grant for a sports court at Navarre Park and that there is a lot of support for the project from different community members. The grant needs to be submitted by November 6. Meyers asked if the City Council will partner with the Parks Commission on this project. Edwards stated when the grant is applied for,the City Council will need to adopt a resolution saying it will contribute their portion of the costs. Meyers noted that will need to be done prior to submittal of the grant. Ruegemer stated the project has to be completed prior to the City receiving the funds. Rief recommended the supporting documentation from the City Council be submitted with the grant request. Use of City Fields Williams reported she and Commissioner Davis met with Police Chief Farniok to discuss public use of the City's parks and open space and reserving the various fields. Williams stated she wanted to understand from the police department's point of view what they currently do, what is currently in place, and how much surveillance or active interaction they have. Williams stated there currently is a special permit required for some events and that they will need to figure out how to handle multiple reservations by the soccer team, for example,which will be a separate application process. Meyers noted the flag football application brought this about. Page 13 of 14 MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday,September 5,2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. Edwards stated the Orono Youth Soccer Team and the Orono Thunder reached out to the City about using some of the fields for practice. Edwards noted the request was triggered by the construction of the new recreation center and the inability to use some of the fields at the school. Williams stated they have designated Bederwood and Hackberry as practice fields and that it is currently on a first come, first serve basis, but that she would like to create a calendar and a procedure to deal with the reservations. Davis stated the City's special use permit that is already in place appears to cover most everything else. Paver Project Berg noted she handed out the information with regard to the pavers to the Park Commissioners. Berg indicated she has created a log to record who purchases a paver. Berg stated the application should be fairly simple. Work Session Meyers noted the next work session will be the first Monday of October and that the Comprehensive Plan will be the main focus of the meeting. ADJOURNMENT Berg moved,Davis seconded, to adjourn the Orono Parks Commission meeting at 8:27 p.m. VOTE: Ayes 6, Nays 0. ATTEST: r Rick Meyer , Chair Page 14 of 14