06-26-1995 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON JUNE 2G, 1995 • (93 - Park Interviews - Silber - Continued) Goetten asked if her philosophy concerning Saga Hill extended to all of Orono. Silber said she is in favor of open space whenever appropriate but recognizes the need for recreation and development. Her philsophy is a balanced use. She understood the Park Commission's duties are one of serving and making recommendations to the Council, who are the decision makers. Goetten asked if she had any recommendations now. Silber noted the need to work with private land owners with large tracts of land, who would be willing to donate gifts of land when they die. Silber believes in investing the time now for future payoff. She also recommended the park fund be used conservatively. Silber said the Council's openness to creating open land such as Saga Hill is important. ANDREW MCDERMOTT McDermott presented a resume to the Council. McDermott was asked why he made the change in application from the Planning Commission to the Palk Commission. McDermott said he originally saw the growing pains of the City and the surge of growth and thought this would be the best way to serve. He then learned more about the parks, looked at all of them, and decided on applying for the Park Commission. McDermott said he has attended accessibility classes regarding the ADA, which he feels is a needed skill. He also has a background in park • planning and design and has designed wildlife refuges. He is not familiar with the comprehensive plan but has read the park survey. He is an 8 year resident of Orono and works with the Department of Interior. U McDermott said he looked at the parks and received a good report. He saw that while they were maintained, the parks had not improved. With development coming to Orono, McDermott sees changes and improvements will be needed. This is part of his work. Goetten noted the problem of money to make improvements. McDermott said the influx of new residents would bring more money in. He did not necessarily see the need to expand the park land area but trails and other passive areas should be added. Jabbour said the survey reflected the philosophy of the comprehensive plan and asked McDermott's opinion of the survey. McDermott said he agreed with the passivity concept noting the availability of recreational activities within the County parks. He remarked on the large differences between the northern and southern parts of the City. He found no problem with the recreational parks being located in other areas and saw them as complementary. 3