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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING <br />Monday, May 2, 2016 <br />6:30 o'clock p.m. <br />Meyers stated part of the Park Commission's job is to think about parks and where the City needs them. <br />Meyers noted the 27 homes will have their own little park, Lurton Park is located nearby, and there are <br />recreational facilities available at the school. Meyers stated he has concerns with the City taking over <br />ownership of a parcel of land that is located over a landfill. <br />Meyers stated a baseball field could possibly be built over the landfill but that the City has a number of <br />other ball fields already and the residents probably would not like a big ball field in this area. ?Meyers <br />noted this land is located on the western edge of the City and would likely not be a big draw. <br />Meyers stated the Park Commission needs to do their due diligence prior to the meeting and then be <br />prepared to act on the items at the meeting. Meyers noted there will be an internal park within this <br />development, Lurton Park is located across the street, and that the residents will also be able to use the <br />City's other parks and beaches. <br />Meyers asked what the anticipated cost of the homes will be. <br />Gaffron indicated they will be in the $600,000 range. <br />Brenda Johnson stated given the proposed density, it would be nice if they plant trees and have a more <br />natural setting. Johnson stated she would hate to preclude that. <br />Gaffron noted the developer is proposing an internal trail. Gaffron stated they could plant trees on top of <br />the landfill site but that he is not sure what the value of that would be, especially given the internal <br />sidewalk system. <br />Meyers asked what other information the Park Commission would like to have on this item before <br />making a decision. Meyers noted the City Council is expecting the Park Commission to make a <br />recommendation on this in the near future. <br />Bryce Johnson stated since the development is in the early stages, he would like to have an opportunity to <br />possibly have a brain -storming session on whether the City has other recreational needs that they have not <br />envisioned yet. <br />Meyers asked whether the Commissioners would like to visit the site to get a feel for the lay of the land. <br />Gaffron stated if the application goes to the Council on 'Monday, there will likely be a vote on the <br />preliminary plat approval, with the resolution going back before the Council a few weeks after that. <br />Gaffron stated the Comprehensive Plan Amendment will likely be delayed unless the City hears back <br />from the Metropolitan Council. Gaffron stated the Park Commission probably has a month to make a <br />recommendation and that it is probably not critical to make a recommendation tonight. Gaffron stated the <br />Park Commission could discuss this at their next work session. <br />Meyers noted the next work session was to discuss Saga Hill, and that perhaps it would be helpful for the <br />Park Commissioners to tour the site. Meyers noted this is not prime Orono real estate and was formerly a <br />dump. Meyers stated if the developer pays a park dedication fee, that would allow the City to do other <br />things as well and that park land may not be necessary in this situation. <br />Pesek asked how much the City would receive in Park Dedication Fees. <br />Page 6 of 10 <br />