03-02-1998 Park Commission Minutes

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