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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING <br />Tuesday, January 3, 2017 <br />6:30 o'clock p.m. <br />not be used since someone needed a boat to access the island. Pesek stated in his view this is one of the <br />best things that could happen to Big Island. <br />Meyers stated Big Island is an Orono asset and that a trial run is a good idea. Meyers stated the trail <br />would allow other people to enjoy the island. <br />Ruegemer commented she would just want to make sure the island is protected environmentally while the <br />skiers are out there. Ruegemer stated as long as the trail is narrow and the location of the trail does not go <br />through any environmentally sensitive areas, she would not be opposed to it. <br />Meyers stated the exact location of the trail can be worked out. <br />Carter indicated they would be pretty much sticking to existing trails. <br />Meyers noted Gear West has also offered the City the use of their groomer and that perhaps the City <br />could contract with BIAB's groomer. <br />Bryce Johnson stated the Park Commission also discussed cross-country skiing at Saga Hill. <br />Meyers commented wintertime activities at some of the parks would be good for the City, especially if the <br />costs to the City are minimal. <br />Carter stated the majority of the skiers involved in their event are only out there one or two times a year <br />and that they typically go out there with their family. <br />Pesek asked what the brewery has to do with this. <br />Carter indicated they are a sponsor of the event and that they allow their club to use their facility for <br />registration and their party afterwards. <br />Edwards stated Staff did review this request and could not come up with any reasons for not allowing the <br />trail. Edwards stated it would be similar to maintaining a hiking trail in the summer. <br />Edwards stated as long as the event does not take place on Big Island, an event permit would not be <br />required. Staff's only concern is that once some trails are groomed, it could attract snowmobilers and <br />partiers. Edwards noted snowmobiles are not allowed on Big Island currently. <br />Meyers noted snowmobilers could go on Big Island whether there is a groomed trail or not. Meyers <br />stated enforcement of the City's rules is a continual problem but that does not mean the City should not <br />try new things. <br />Edwards stated his suggestion would be that the Park Commission make a formal recommendation to the <br />City Council. <br />Meyers asked what Mr. Carter's time frame is for the trail. <br />Carter stated the event is scheduled for January 28 and that they would like to be out there around <br />January 21 to groom the trails. <br />Page 3 of 9 <br />