11-03-1997 Park Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 3, 1997 (#4 - Long Term Funding for Parks - Continued) Funding source #3 was bonding by the municipality. Examples of picnic shelters, community centers, and pools were cited. Commissioners agreed that the City would most likely not be interested in a community center or pool. Cities using this method will typically charge admission fees to repay the bonds. Funding source #4 was fees to use parks through parking permits and user fees. Commissioners felt there were no such facilities where this would occur. Funding source #5 was fund raising within the business community for specific projects and #6 was fund raising within the community for specific projects. An example of the County raising funds in this manner was noted. The fund amount raised is typically specific for a specific goal. Funding raising can also be of donations of materials as well as money. Funding source #7 regarded conservation subdivision arrangements within PUD's, whereby, the developer will obtain special zoning and permit arrangements in return for leaving 50% or more of the development public open space. This method can utilize community septic system and avoid sewer hookup. This method results in creating open space by leaving part of the development open. A development of this type is currently under way in the City of Victoria. Welles noted that the key to this method is the end result of the same density level. Funding source #8 was developers build the parks and deed them to the city in exchange for development approvals. McDermott questioned how many acres a development should be to justify a park. White can a park can be provided within a development as part of the approval. Commissioners felt the Dickey Subdivision would have been a good site for this to have occurred. It was felt that more leverage should be obtained from development which is currently not happening. White reported that he receives alot of ideas over the internet system. McDermott suggested the idea of leasing park land for such uses as antennas or park bench advertisement. White cited examples of this occurring in the City of Minneapolis. It was noted, however, that there are many differing opinions regarding this topic, and Commissioners questioned whether this was feasible in Orono. The ice arena was thought to be a possibility for this type of funding source. Welles suggested maintaining this option as a funding source as there may be such a facility in the City in the future. White added several more sources for funding. Funding source #9 related to a joint powers agreements such as between the City and School District, trail development, or with Mn/DOT in Hwy 12. 6