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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 moved,Pesek seconded,to recommend the City obtain a 10-foot trail easement along <br /> Wayzata Boulevard. VOTE: Ayes 5,Nays 0. <br /> Brenda Johnson stated it is hard to say that the City has an interest in park space on this site since there is <br /> already a pool and a play area located across the street. Johnson stated in her view there are other areas of <br /> the City that would be more ideal for park space, and if other property in this area is developed,there <br /> would be an opportunity to obtain park land at that time. <br /> Meyers noted the land the developer is suggesting is located over the landfill. <br /> Lindahl stated she is not sure she can vote on the park land since she is not completely knowledgeable <br /> about all the issues and the pros and cons of park land in this area. <br /> Pesek commented he is not sure additional park land is needed in this area since there are a number of <br /> recreational activities available at the school. <br /> Gaffron noted the roads within the development are proposed to be private and that the Planning <br /> Commission recommended the western portion of the road be public. If the road is public, it would need <br /> to be 32 feet wide versus 28 feet. Gaffron stated there are a variety of issues with the road becoming <br /> public, which would also impact the layout of the homes. Staff does not believe that park land is <br /> necessary in this situation. <br /> Bryce Johnson stated he agrees with Commissioner Lindahl's comment that it is difficult to make a <br /> decision at this time. Johnson stated the Park Commission does not have a list of what the needs of <br /> Orono are for additional park space and that he is not clear whether Orono has other recreational needs <br /> that have not been considered. Johnson stated he cannot come up with an immediate answer and that <br /> perhaps the Park Commission should take a closer look at whether there is any use for park land in this <br /> area rather than just say a park dedication fee should be paid. <br /> Johnson asked when this will be before the City Council. <br /> Gaffron indicated it likely will be before the City Council on Monday for a first review but that it is <br /> dependent on whether Hennepin County will allow the second access. If the second access is not <br /> allowed,the plans would need to be dramatically changed. <br /> Bryce Johnson stated with that piece of information, it would seem to be premature for the Park <br /> Commission to take the park dedication fee before considering if there are any unmet recreational needs <br /> in the City. <br /> Lindahl asked why Staff is not interested in park land in this area. <br /> Gaffron indicated it is not included in the City's Comprehensive Plan or Park Plan at this time. Gaffron <br /> stated the City will be doing a review of the Comprehensive Plan and Park Plan in the near future and that <br /> if the Park Commission feels there are specific areas the City should focus in,they can make <br /> recommendations to that effect. Gaffron stated at this point it probably is not necessary to require a park <br /> land dedication. <br /> Page 5 of 10 <br />