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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 />