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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO PARKS COMMISSION <br />Monday, September 8, 2015 <br />6:30 o'clock p.m. <br />Meyers noted some of the money was given a number of years ago but that it does not hurt to look for <br />some kind of nexus with the developments. <br />Levang stated the City does not typically allocate the funds to the development that pays the fees but that <br />the City does look for some kind of nexus. Levang stated in the Oliver Hill development, there was no <br />need to build a park so the City collected the fees instead. Levang stated if a park is needed in a new <br />development, then that is a determination the Parks Commission makes. <br />Brenda Johnson stated to her understanding there is a state law regarding the park dedication fees and that <br />the intent is to replace land that is lost in that area as a result of a new development. Johnson stated she <br />would encourage the Parks Commission to consider that. <br />Levang stated the City gets audited every year and not using park dedication fees appropriately has never <br />been raised as an issue. Levang stated those monies were taken with the intent that they would go into the <br />fund and be used appropriately. Levang stated if the Parks Commission would like to draw on that <br />money, they should make that argument to the City Council. <br />Meyers stated they are asking for capital improvement money from the Park Dedication Fund. <br />Pesek stated he has a concern with the price of the pavers but that in his view it looks better with pavers. <br />Meyers stated he would like to make this park a little nicer than what the City has typically done in the <br />past and that he would rather do it right the first time rather than going a little cheaper. Meyers stated <br />crushed granite would be cheaper but that it would require periodic weeding. Meyers noted the City <br />Council can either follow the recommendation of the Parks Commission or elect to do something else. <br />Berg stated in her view this is a beginning point and that the Parks Commission does not have to do <br />everything that is included in the proposal. Berg stated the bids could be tweaked after they are received. <br />Meyers stated the bid could be divided into an option for permeable pavers and an option for no pavers <br />but that the Parks Commission should do what the City would like the citizens to do on their private <br />properties. <br />Ruegemer stated the bid looks good and that she has no questions about it. <br />Bryce Johnson stated it might be possible to get some donations for a few of the items. <br />Meyers stated donations are definitely a possibility but that the items should be included in the bid unless <br />the Parks Commission is aware of a definite donation. Meyers stated he would definitely like to have a <br />drinking fountain, which is not included in the proposal. In addition, the planting of the pollinator garden <br />is not included in the proposal, which could be something that volunteers could do. <br />Meyers noted the benches and installation are not included and could be donated as well as the picnic <br />tables and bike rack. Meyers stated there are some benches already there that could perhaps be <br />incorporated into the design. <br />Edwards suggested installing the pads where the benches or tables would go. Edwards stated the City <br />could also purchase the benches. <br />Page 2 of 11 <br />