03-06-2017 Park Commission Packet

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING Tuesday, January 3, 2017 6:30 o'clock p.m. Edwards stated the Planning Commission does not have a code of conduct. Edwards stated typically Planning Staff has reached out to a non -attending member to see whether they are still interested in serving or at the time of reappointment attendance could be a factor. Meyers stated the reappointment process could be partially based on attendance. Meyers moved, Brenda Johnson seconded, to recommend the City Council adopt the proposed code amendment as outlined in Section 22-32 to allow for one or more alternates to be appointed to the Park Commission. VOTE: Ayes 6, Nays 0. 4. 2017 PARK PRIORITIES AND PLAN UPDATES a. Saga Hill Meyers noted Saga Hill will be the Park Commission's number one priority park this year. Meyers stated a map has been created of the park. Edwards stated the maps for Saga Hill and Highwood Park have been included on the City's website under those parks and that he has also printed out some hard copies for the committees. Edwards stated he would like to bring the Park Supervisor out, along with the committee, to delineate the trees that they would like to see cleared. Once that is completed, the City could contract with someone to remove the trees if necessary. Meyers stated they are talking about improving the existing trail systems at the parks by removing the buckthorn as well as some trees to open the trails up. In addition, some work will need to be performed on the parking lot. ':Meyers noted Bolton & Menk has created a digital map of the trail system. Bryce Johnson stated they are probably looking at two signs for Saga Hill. Johnson stated the first sign, which would be an informational sign, can be done relatively quickly, but the historical map will take more time and can be incorporated later on a second sign. Meyers commented the signs at the parks help define the City's history and is a nice way to make people aware of the historical significance of the specific park. Edwards stated once the sign is laid out, the map can be included. Edwards suggested the Park Commission create a list of aspirations for the park before March so the Public Works Department will know exactly what the Park Commission would like to see done. Mayor -Elect Walsh noted Rich Anderson has volunteered his employees and equipment to help clear the trees. Edwards stated the Park Commission should define the scope of what needs to be done hopefully by March and then Staff can then look for volunteer resources or contract where necessary. Bryce Johnson noted the workshops have also been used periodically to have a site visit at a specific park and that perhaps the Park Commission could go out in February to define an initial scope of work for Saga. Page 6 of 9