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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Tuesday,July 5,2016 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Brenda Johnson stated within the work session notes was a recommendation to go through the attorney's <br /> files to identify important historical information on Saga Hill. Johnson stated that review has been started <br /> and that included in the information was an environmental assessment as well as an inventory of birds and <br /> wildlife and plant life. Johnson stated one of the goals of the park is to preserve it for habitat and that the <br /> Park Commission should think about how to restore some of habitat rather than simply preserve it. <br /> Johnson noted the inventory was done in 1995 and that it was divided into upland,meadow, <br /> basswood/maple forest,and ravine areas. Johnson stated the Park Commission could think about <br /> updating it and that some members of the Saga Hills Preservation Society expressed interest in having an <br /> inventory done. <br /> Johnson stated one of the interesting things contained in the inventory was the fact that the great gray <br /> horned owl was mentioned,which is a rare bird to this area. Soil sampling was also done as part of the <br /> environmental assessment. <br /> Bryce Johnson stated the Western Hennepin Historical Museum also has a large file on the park and that <br /> it mentions the woodland people. <br /> Brenda Johnson stated the woodland dugout was near North Arm. <br /> Meyers commented it will be nice to perhaps overlay some of the information on the maps. <br /> Brenda Johnson stated the next step will be to review all the information as well as interview John <br /> Palmer, who lived next to Saga Hill. Johnson indicated she has been in contact with him and that he is <br /> excited about being interviewed. Johnson stated he has lived there since 1948 and that he has taken <br /> pictures throughout that time. Johnson indicated she, Julie, and Bryce will continue to go through the <br /> information. <br /> Bryce Johnson noted there is a question about whether that is really Saga Hill. Johnson stated the name <br /> Saga Hill actually came from a Norwegian settlement and that it is believed it meant the land up from that <br /> settlement. Later on the name Saga Hill was extended to the whole area, with the park being located at <br /> the highest part of the land. <br /> Meyers stated the next step will be to get an accurate map from Bolton and Menk and then have a <br /> workshop to discuss what should be done. Meyers stated the Historical Society could be invited and <br /> Mr. Palmer could do his slide presentation. <br /> Brenda Johnson asked whether they could have the intern work with them to identify the areas to be <br /> cleared. <br /> Edwards noted the intern from Bolton&Menk is not a forester and is a civil engineering student. <br /> Edwards stated if the Park Commission is interested in hiring a forester, it would be more expensive. <br /> Meyers requested Brenda contact Mr. Palmer to see whether he would be interested in going out with <br /> Bolton and Menk and whether he can attend the work session. Meyers requested Bryce also contact the <br /> Historical Society to see whether they would be interested in attending the Park Commission's work <br /> session. <br /> Page 7 of 9 <br />