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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO PARK COMMISSION <br /> MEETING HELD ON MARCH 2, 1998 <br /> (,�-,`� _ (1RA at RPrlPnu�nrl _(`nntiniiarll <br /> Ilse questioned whether the discussion was appropriate with the signed contract that <br /> extends until the year 2014. Since this is a legal document, Ilse questioned whether the <br /> Council should be the body to review it. Goetten responded that a recommending body <br /> can make a recammendation but the decision is up to the Council. <br /> Clem Kroll, 60 South Brown Road, said his home is directly east of the park. He <br /> reviewed the history behind the use of the park noting a promise was made that <br /> established the park as a neighborhood park. Kroll said he is not opposed to cleaning up <br /> the area and having children use the park but said an agreement should be upheld. He <br /> noted the lack of bathrooms during periods of the year have resulted in problems. <br /> Sparrow does not see any reason why this discussion is again being held. He noted that <br /> only two of the original neighbors from 1994 when the agreement was made have left the <br /> neighborhood. He noted a compromise has already been made allowing the OBA to use <br /> the park two nights a week, yet they keep asking for more usage each year. <br /> Amelia Kroeger said she is also a neighbor of the park. She had a different perspective on <br /> the usage. She felt the OBA should be taken at their word and allow the extra usage as it <br /> is a constructive activity for children. Kroeger supported the request for additional usage <br /> ofthe park by the OBA. <br /> McDermott said he had difficulty with recommending changes in usa�e when the contract <br /> was only established in 1994. � <br /> Rich Kiemen said the request two years ago for an additional night of use was made by a <br /> non-sanctioned person. Kiemen said he respected the contract but felt the use would not <br /> distract from the neighborhood use. He did not feel it presented a parking problem either. <br /> He feels the use is an intended use for a park. <br /> Erickson said he had requested Kiemen to address the Commission. He felt the additional <br /> night of use would be temporary. He noted that the Orono School District is unable to <br /> commit to another field at this time due to other priorities. He indicated that Bederwood <br /> is the only park with dugouts. He questioned why this equipment for the use is there if it <br /> is not used for that purpose. Erickson emphasized that the OBA uses the park for only 12 <br /> weeks out of the year. <br /> White agreed that parks are underutilized today and exist for the use of the people. He <br /> said he would approve the request if the contract did not exist but the contract is between <br /> the neighborhood and city and does not include the Park Commission and OBA. He <br /> suggested the OBA representatives speak with the neighbors about the agreement. White <br /> felt the citizens have the right to expect the contract to be upheld. <br /> � <br />