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MINUTES OF THE CITY OF ORONO /r _ <br />PARKS, OPEN SPACES, AND TRAILS COMMISSION MEETING `i' <br />Monday, March 1, 2004 <br />7;15 o'clock p.m. ' r <br />Chair McDermott stated that the camp plan identifies Bederwood Park as a neighborhood park <br />which would not be used by organized sports more than two times per week. <br />Rice asked if the park donors had placed these restrictions on the park, <br />Silber stated that a process could be followed to amend the comp plan, if OBA could make a <br />case to the public, the City might be willing to expand the usage to a certain degree. However, <br />she questioned whether 5-6 nights per week would be acceptable, <br />Halvorson stated that she was in full support of organized sports for kids. She was disappointed <br />to see an amenity like Bederwood underutilized. <br />Pesek seconded. <br />Gappa stated that, since the last public hearing was held in 1993, he wasn't sure if the opinion of <br />the neighborhood had changed or whether they would still object to the use. <br />VOTE: Ayes 5, Nays 1, Chair McDermott dissenting to the motion as presented. <br />Murphy questioned whether there were pictures of the facility in its present state displaying its <br />lack of upkeep and use. He suggested that might be useful to the City Council. <br />Gappa indicated that OBA maintains the field within the fence line. He suggested that OBA be <br />allowed to state their case. <br />Silber maintained that the City should encourage the fact that, they have an organization, OBA, <br />who has stepped forward saying they want to take care of the park and its facilities. They are <br />willing to make the investment, at a time when funding is a critical issue. She encouraged the <br />OBA to consider adopting maintenance of the sign and it's landscaping as an indication of their <br />good faith. <br />Palmquist stated that he could take the landscaping of the sign suggestion back to the <br />organization. He believed that, unfortunately, a vocal minority has kept the park from being <br />used, and OBA would like to be given the opportunity to state their case. <br />Pesek reiterated that this request fulfills two of the Park Commission goals, first, to increase <br />utilization of parks, and second, improve the condition of parks. <br />Gappa pointed out that, in general, you don't see too many pick-up games in any sport anymore, <br />(#6) FEBRUARY 2004 COUNCIL ME' ETINGS <br />Commission for <br />the Commission <br />