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) Beal asked Flint about tree preservation policy. He was informed that the Planning Commission is reviewing the issue. Flint noted the Planning Commission is considering two meetings a month, where one meeting would be for planning issues and the other for subdivisions. The list was reviewed for its possibilities. Sources #1 and#2 will remain. #3 was questioned regarding where it would be used. Wilson indicated a separate bond referendum could occur for land protection. Source #4 was thought to be questionable as there were no areas where fees could be charged at this time. Sources #5 and#6 were combined to be "funding raising for specific projects". Source #7 was considered a good possibility for creating open space. Wilson thought that conservation developers should be contacted for information on their strategies. McDermott suggested reviewing it with the Planning Commission first. Welles said he would research whether there were developers interested in conservation subdivisions. He also indicated he has available publications which might be useful. Source #8 will remain on the list as well. The use of public financing was noted. Welles suggested a joint agreement between the schools and the parks. Wilson asked about tax increment financing as a possibility. She asked White to discuss this option at the December meeting. Beal asked Gappa about affordable housing. Gappa said the City is part of the Livable Housing Act. Beal asked whether this is impacted by the amount of land available. Gappa said the City would probably be thinking in terms of rehabilitation of housing in the Navarre area and maintaining what is there. He noted the difficulty in finding properties that would sell far less than $130,000, which is the affordable limit. Welles felt the development of a community map of open space would be a good tool for developers to use, for Council's use, and for strategizing for the future. He felt the Commission needs specific strategy for funding each site and determining the needs for the sites. McDermott suggested determining areas for neighborhood parks as well. Wilson indicated the use of conservation easements is an option for some properties to protect open space. (#2A) REPORT FROM OCTOBER 13, 1997 COUNCIL MEETING - WHITE White reported that he informed the Council the Commission was reviewing long term funding sources. He indicated Mayor Jabbour asked the Commission to not get too far ahead. Wilson said the Mayor would like to see the Commission keep the Council informed of their activities. 8