11-27-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, November 13, 2017 7:00 o'clock p.m. 17. BIG ISLAND PLANNING — Continued also allow Orono to coordinate with sister agencies who have an interest on the park so the City can have adequate communicate with those agencies. Bolton and Menk has provided a proposal to complete a concept plan for Big Island Park for a fee not to exceed $12,000. Seals stated the mini master plan will take a lot of what is talked about in the Big Island Management Plan and will look at the feasibility of different improvements. Seals stated in her view this is a good way to get the sister agencies involved in the process early and to get everyone on the same page. Seals stated this is a good example of what was done with the golf course and also helps everyone look at the whole picture and allows grants to be applied for. Walsh concurred that it would be helpful to have a plan so everyone is on the same page. Seals stated it is also a good way to be transparent and get people involved in the planning process from the beginning. Seals noted there will also be a public hearing to discuss the plan once it is created and that the plan is intended to be a guiding document and does not mean that everything will be done. Printup questioned whether the document will set up expectations for future purchases or improvements. Edwards stated the plan would allow for different options that could be pursued with some anticipated costs. Edwards stated the real purpose of the document is to help guide the planning. Walsh commented it is a starting point. Printup stated he has a concern with doing improvements given the past vandalism on Big Island and that he does not want taxpayers' dollars getting thrown down a black hole. Seals stated security risks, maintenance, septic issues, pipes freezing, etc., will all be looked at prior to any specific project going forward. Seals stated there are a number of people that want things out there and that this helps everyone look at it in a thorough and comprehensive manner. Walsh stated the City and Big Island Committee will need to manage people's expectations and also limit the amount of money spent. Walsh commented the City should make use of volunteers and donations to do some of this. Seals moved, Crosby seconded, to accept Bolton and Menk's proposal to complete a concept plan for Big Island Park for a fee not to exceed $12,000. Printup asked if the plan looks at perhaps installing a flag or a marker of some type for the veterans' camp. Seals stated at the committee meetings she will be talking about ADA accessible trails, whether structures make sense, security and maintenance issues with those structures, and possible activities. Rief noted there are also restrictions on what can be done based on the easements. Page 11 of 17