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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO PARK COMMISSION <br />Monday, November 4, 2019 <br />6:30 o'clock p.m. <br />Meyers commented it does not appear that the Park Commission is in favor of making a recommendation <br />at this point. <br />Burrell asked whether there would be another work session that they could appear at. <br />Berg stated the feedback of the residents is new and that she would prefer to have another work session. <br />Meyers suggested discussing this at one more work session and that it would be helpful if the residents <br />submit their written concerns that the Park Commission can look at during the workshop. <br />Jane Davidson stated what they have heard tonight is what is the right thing for the park and the greater <br />community. The Park Commission has not heard from the people who use the park, who are not <br />primarily the neighbors. The park is heavily used and most of them are not the residents in the area. <br />Davidson asked whether the City has done a survey of the people who use the park. <br />Davidson indicated she has not noticed a lot of partying at the park and that it is usually pretty quiet. The <br />question is whether they want the rowing club to have almost exclusive use of this property since it is not <br />looking like it is for the public except for possibly the bathroom. <br />Edwards asked if they would like them to come back for the February work session and perhaps the <br />March Planning Commission meeting. <br />Roath noted the work session would be with the Park Commission and that their work sessions are open <br />to the public. Roath stated that does not mean that the rowing club has to wait until then to reach out to <br />the neighbors. <br />Johnson commented he is not sure he wants a work session where the Park Commission is the arbiter <br />between the two sides and that he would be fine if the parties have their own meetings to see if there is <br />enough common ground. One of the points raised was whether this will be an exclusive use and what is <br />the greater value to the community. <br />Johnson stated in his view those things can be answered in the meantime and then brought before the Park <br />Commission. In his view it would be a mistake to suggest that this is ready to go to the Planning <br />Commission since they would have the same types of questions and that there are still are a lot of <br />questions that need to be answered. <br />Meyers stated hardcover and tree removal will be huge issues. <br />Berg stated another issue is the impact to the beach and the people that use the park. The City wants <br />people to use the parks and make them friendly for everyone, but that is another issue that was raised <br />tonight. <br />Roath stated the City needs to be thinking about the improvements to the area and this proposal together. <br />Meyers commented it will be a big change to the neighborhood and it will not be the little hidden beach <br />that it has been. <br />Page 9 of 15 <br />