03-07-2016 Park Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Monday, January 4, 2016 6:30 o'clock p.m. Meyers stated the fencing would surround some of the prairie areas and that the small dog park could perhaps be in the prairie area with some trails through the prairie. Meyers stated they would need to determine which areas should be fenced and that nothing has been determined at this point. Edwards stated he is looking between now and March to firm up the planning of the park and that he would like to have an informal meeting with the subcommittee to discuss what they are envisioning for the dog park. Edwards noted some representatives from the City will be meeting with the Lurton family sometime in March. Meyers stated the dog park subcommittee could get together and discuss their ideas for the park and then the Park Commission could discuss it at their February work session. Edwards noted the Mayor, some members of the Lurton family, and himself also met with Three Rivers to discuss what they envision for maintenance of the park and the issues they envision with a dog park. Pesek noted Edina charges people to use their dog park. Meyers stated he likes the Three Rivers model, which requires a yearly pass, but that there are some details that will need to be worked out. Meyers stated he is not sure what number of passes would be reasonable. Pesek stated the Park Commission should also look at whether the dog park will be restricted to Orono residents. Mayor McMillan stated the biggest item to figure out at this point is where the fencing will go. _McMillan stated this is a new concept to the City and that she would like the Park Commission to figure out how the dog park will operate and then the City Council can discuss the costs and how it will be managed. McMillan stated if the Park Commission wants it opened in 2016, the location of the fencing has to be determined and then the Public Works Director can determine the costs. The Lurton family has specifically requested that the money for the dog park not be taken out of the maintenance funds. McMillan stated she would like the entire Park Commission to have input into it but that a subcommittee to get things moving would be fine. Meyers stated the subcommittee could present their determinations at the February work session and then the Park Commission can fine tune the options. Johnson noted dog parks are not only a place for the dogs but that their owners also like to get together and mingle. Johnson stated that should also be discussed. Meyers stated Nancy Lurton would like this park to honor her stepmother and that she seemed very amenable to the concept. Meyers noted there are already benches and picnic tables at the park. The Park Commission took no formal action on this item. Page 4 of 8