03-13-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL & PARK COMMISSION JOINT WORK SESSION Monday, February 27, 2017 5:00 p.m. PRESENT: Mayor Dennis Walsh, Council Members Richard Crosby II, Wendy Dankey, Aaron Printup, and Victoria Seals; Park Commission Members Rick Meyers, Jan Berg, Brenda Johnson, Bryce Johnson, Julie Ruegemer, and Paul Pesek. Representing Staff were Interim City Administrator Doug Reeder, Public Works Director/Engineer Adam Edwards, and City Clerk Anna Carlson. Mayor Walsh called the work session to order at 5:00 p.m. 1. Park Commission — Council Annual Joint Session (Spm) a. 2017 Priorities Park Commission Chair Rick Meyers explained to the Council that the Commission sets priorities each year for Parks in Orono. The focus of the system is to select parks, identify priorities needed, and make plans for each to improve their quality. Meyers explained that Saga Hills is one of the Commission's priority parks. They have developed signage for the park which is intended to be displayed as an informational piece to present the historical value of the park along with other interesting information and images for its visitors. The intent with the signage is that it could eventually be presented at each park in the future. By consensus eventually signs for parks should be put together to be displayed and also put in pamphlet form. There was discussion among the Parks Commission and City Council regarding the importance of improving the quality of all parks to get people to use them. There was some concern expressed regarding the vandalism that has occurred in area parks and also regarding the accessibility of the parks as well. Meyers mentioned that by getting people to use the parks will slow down vandalism. Mayor Walsh mentioned that people should be notified of plans to discuss the park in their neighborhood when possible. Edwards provided background on the priorities list that was developed for Orono parks at the beginning of the year by the Park Commission. The Park Commission will focus on one park at a time until all parks are addressed. There was discussion about advertising the parks in the City Newsletter. Showcasing featured parks and acknowledging people for their donations and contributions could also be done through the Newsletter.